St Nicholas Catholic Primary School
British Values
Promoting British Values at St Nicholas Catholic Primary School
Under section 78 of the Education Act (2002) St Nicholas Catholic Primary School is required to promote the spiritual, moral, mental and physical development of pupils and to promote fundamental British values as part of our school curriculum.
At St Nicholas Catholic Primary School we recognise that we are part of a multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing society in the United Kingdom and are dedicated to serving our community. Our Governing Body and Staff understand the vital role we have in ensuring that individuals or groups within our school are not exposed to intimidation or radicalization by anyone wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them. By following the equal opportunities guidance we ensure that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, financial or political status, or similar.
At St Nicholas Catholic Primary School we are committed to preparing pupils for their future lives beyond the formal, examined curriculum and ensuring that we promote and reinforce British values to all of our pupils.
British Values form part of our school way of life; they are taught in a variety ways across several curriculum areas as well as through collective worship.
We aim for our children to:
- Understand the democratic process and how citizens can have a say in decision making.
- Accept that people who hold different religious beliefs should be tolerated and not be discriminated against.
- Recognise the advantages to living under the rule of law and how law is essential for a safe society.
- Know why freedom of religion protects all faiths, as well as those with no faith.
- See that there is a separation of power and why it exists.
- Understand the reasons for accountability of institutions and why courts maintain independence.
- Value the importance of identifying and combating extremism.
St Nicholas Catholic Primary School is not required to promote or teach any particular belief, view or way of life that contradicts our outlook or ethos; however, we will not promote discrimination, or accept intolerance against people or groups, on the basis of their belief, opinion or background.
The Rule of Law at St Nicholas:
Gospel Virtues: Honesty
- School Behaviour Policy
- Classroom Rules
- Visits and talks from our police community support officer
- Internet Safety training
- Ethos / Gospel Virtues - helping children to distinguish between right and wrong.
- Use of Biblical Stories model to children people making the right choice, even in difficult situations.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Gospel Virtues: Loving, Courtesy, Thankfulness, Faith, Simplicity
- Through Topic children explore different faiths and visit other places of worship. Throughout the year they also learn about other celebrations (i.e. Diwali and Chinese New Year.)
- Children experience and learn about music from all over the world
- Children learn about the lives of people from other places in the world.
- The RE programme of study includes work on different faiths.
- Children in Key Stage 2 are learning to speak other languages
- Children have access to a range of books, which explore other faiths and cultures.
- Work of Mini Vinnies
The British Values
We provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities and strong pastoral support. We incorporate democratic principles, value the rule of law, support individual liberty and foster a community in which different faiths and beliefs are respected.
Democracy: We have a school council who are voted by peers and we invite speakers into school. We encourage debate and the idea of fairness and justice in our dealings with all within our community.
Rule of Law: We create our class rules, have a clear behaviour policy, organise visits from the police service, focus on the ten commandments and talk about the Rule of English Law; a legal system created uniquely in a Catholic England, inspired by Christian values.
Individual Liberty: We encourage students to be independent in their learning and provide students with opportunities for reflection as they take responsibility to discerning their vocation. Children have the opportunity to take on roles within school.
Mutual respect: We have a mission statement, promote good manners and respect for others, reinforce everyone's opinions in class debates, focus on Anti-Bullying whilst emphasising that everyone is unique but equal in the eyes of God and support charitable works.
Tolerance: We celebrate the range of other faiths and customs within our school as part of our 'International Week' where we bring together foods around the world, dance, music, song and poetry. We also use Jesus' example in the such stories as 'The Good Samaritan' and 'The Women at the Well'.
Individual Liberty at St Nicholas:
Gospel Virtues: Thankfulness, Faith, Kindness
- Work on Vocations - we encourage children to recognise their talents and fulfil their potential.
- All children are treated equally, fairly and given the same opportunity to take part in activities and experiences, as we are all children of God.
- Behaviour Policies and Procedures put emphasis on children being responsible for their own actions.
- Pupil Voice through school council / pupil interviews and an annual pupil survey allows children to express their own views about school and take action.
- Stereotypes are challenged throughout school.
- Freedom of speech is modelled through pupil participation in class discussions, dialogue with staff, pupil questionnaires and the knowledge that children can speak freely and openly to staff members.
Democracy at St Nicholas:
Gospel Virtues: Service
- Elections for positions of responsibility in school.
- School Council
- Eco Warriors
- Mini Vinnies
- The use of Circle Time
- Debates dealing with different viewpoints
- Writing balanced arguments in English
- Volunteering to help others in the local, Parish, wider and global community.
Relevant Documents
Promoting Fundamental British Values as part of SMSC in Schools - DfE
