British Values
In guidance for maintained schools, issued by the Department for Education in November 2014, a list was provided that describes the understanding and knowledge expected of pupils as a result of schools promoting fundamental British values. During inspections, an evaluation is made as to how well a school promotes these values and prepares pupils for life in modern Britain. The British values are:
- Democracy
- Justice/Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance
At St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Primary School we strongly believe that our ‘Christian Ethos’, which is firmly rooted in the values of the Gospel and teachings of the Catholic Church, is very much aligned to these values being promoted by the government as ‘British’. As a community of many different cultures, we also recognise that that these values are not uniquely British. We ensure that through our school vision, ethos, agreed rules, curriculum and teaching we promote respect and tolerance for all cultures, faiths and lifestyles.
Our creative,skils based curriculum is planned to ensure breadth and balance and to promote preparation for, and an appreciation of life in modern Britain. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted effectively through the curriculum, particularly thorugh our discrete RE programme of study, the Catholic life of the school and Relationships and Health Education.
We aim to:
- promote acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
- enable pupils to develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
Democracy and Rule of Law
Shown through:-
- Life to the Full Programme Plus Realtionships and Health Education programe
- History curriculum in KS1 & KS2
- Pupil Voice Projects (KS2)
- School Council (elected representatives from Year 2 to Year 6)
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Shown through:-
- Come and See Programme: Our discrete RE programme ‘Come and See’ allows children to explore the religious aspects of life, dignity and purpose within the Catholic tradition. Children reflect on personal experiences and links are made with Catholic and non-Catholic faith traditions. All of the topics are rooted in the children's own experiences in life and, through reflection and learning activities, our teachers extend the learning further. We look at Scripture passages that match the topic being covered and unpick the meaning and how we can use this Scripture to enhance our lives and help us to be better Christians. Over the academic year, two other faiths are taught; Judaism in the Autumn term, including visits to the West End Synagogue in Queensway, and Islam during the Summer term.
- Life to the Full Plus Relationships and Health Education programe
Mutual Respect
Understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures within school and further afield as an essential element of pupils’ preparation for life in modern Britain.
Shown through:-
- Come and See RE Programme
Preparing pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life in modern Britain.
Shown through:-
- Life to the Full Programme Plus Realtionships and Health Education programe
- Discrete R.E. curriculum
- School Council
Promoting tolerance of and respect for people of all faiths (or those of no faith), cultures and lifestyles; and supporting and helping to prepare children and young people positively for life in modern Britain.
Shown through:-
- Life to the Full Plus Relationships and Health Education programe
- Discrete R.E. curriculum
- Caritas Ambassadors and Roted in Love Programme