British Values

The DfE have reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

The Government set out its definition of British values in 2011, and these values were reiterated in 2014.

At Holy Rood Catholic Primary School, we aim for our children to become valuable and fully-rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background. We promote the basic British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs in the following ways:

Democracy:

We have a School Council with members from Year One to Year Six. These children have election campaigns, and each class votes for their school council representative. The Council meets regularly, and in the meetings the children’s views and ideas on a range of school issues are sought and they help make decisions. The council members then provide feedback to their classes. They also collect class views which they bring to their meetings and are involved in fund raising for the school. We visit the Council offices to see how the council works. We also have House Captains which, again, are voted for by the school.

The Rule of Law:

As soon as they enter Holy Rood, children are taught about the values of the school; they are taught the importance of, and reasons behind, our school values, the responsibilities that this involves, the consequences when the values are not kept and the impact this could have on others. Alongside this, there is a clear behaviour policy that all are aware of; this clearly states what behaviour is expected at Holy Rood and how this will be celebrated and rewarded, as well as outlining the potential consequences someone would face if they misbehave. To enable pupils to have some ownership of the rules and expectations within their classrooms, each class also agrees its own class rules at the beginning of each academic year. We place very high importance on living our school values as part of our Catholic ethos and in doing so, have a variety of ways of acknowledging and celebrating with the children when they demonstrate these throughout their time at Holy Rood.  This includes certificates given during our weekly Celebration Assembly, as well as the opportunity to earn class marbles (or equivalent) for whole-class rewards and house points which are awarded to individuals each day.

Individual Liberty:

Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Making choices is a key part of the way we want children to learn and of the school vision, which children learn about through Collective Worship and PHSE work. Through our work, we discuss different choices that the children can make and encourage them to make the right choices, making links to parables where appropriate. As well as this, we dedicate time each week to teaching and discussing the importance of online safety as a key part of the computing curriculum, ensuring that our pupils know how to keep themselves safe online and what they need to do if they are worried about anything.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs:

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values: we are an inclusive school where everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the school. Through PSHE lessons, Collective Worship and attending Mass, children learn and reflect upon how their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. The children and staff often work with other schools within our collaboration and with the local Church which develops their respect for others in the wider community. Different faiths and beliefs are also explored and celebrated through assemblies, RE sessions, cultural days and a variety of visitors into school. The children are taught that people have different faiths and beliefs and that these are widely accepted in our multi-cultural school community and the wider-world. Children within our school with different faiths are encouraged to share their practices and special celebrations.