Our school is dedicated to promoting values which ensure pupils develop a strong sense of social and moral responsibility which will prepare them for life in modern Britain. 

 

We are a school who is committed to serving our community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. We also understand the vital role we have in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

The five British Values are: 

 

• Democracy 
• The Rule of Law 
• Individual Liberty 
• Mutual Respect 
• Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs 

 

Our school actively promotes British values and gives pupils the awareness of what it means to be a good citizen in Britain today, embedding in them the skills to be active citizens in the future. 

 

Democracy  

Democracy is an explicit part of the ethos of our school.  Our school mission statement states that we want our children to become responsible members of our community.  In our school, it is expected that adults listen to the views of children and value their opinions. Our school council, amongst other key roles, teach children about democratic processes, including the importance of voting and respecting the result of the majority. Pupil questionnaires and interviews ensure that pupils’ views are taken into consideration. Clear behaviour guidelines and policies, assembly themes and activities in RE lessons, PSHE and circle time activities ensure that children also learn that they can help resolve problems. 

 

 

The Rule of Law 

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country are consistently reinforced in our school’s Behaviour Policy and throughout the curriculum in our school. Pupils have regular opportunities to reflect on the reasons behind rules and their importance for wellbeing and safety, through the RE and PSHE Curriculum, school assemblies and class collective worship.

 

Visits from authorities such as local politicians, Police, Fire Service and Parish Priests help reinforce the message. When school rules are broken, children are encouraged to consider who has been affected, to take responsibility for their actions, say sorry and make amends and also to forgive and start again. 

 

Individual Liberty  

Within Our Lady’s school, a safe and supportive environment is fostered, where pupils are actively encouraged to develop independence, think for themselves and make choices. Whether it is choosing a challenging task or an extracurricular club, pupils have the freedom to make choices based on their interests. Children are encouraged to understand their rights and personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect; for example on-line safety teaching enables children to make online choices in a safe manner. Children are taught consideration of others through the RE curriculum in particular.

 

Mutual Respect

Respect is a fundamental value in our school.  Christian virtues are at the heart of all activities;

• faithfulness and integrity; 
• dignity and compassion; 
• humility and gentleness; 
• truth and justice; 
• forgiveness and mercy; 
• purity and holiness; 
• tolerance and peace

 

All members of Our Lady’s school are expected to treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through individual school mission statements and school rules. The value of mutual respect is explored through the curriculum, for example in sporting values in PE, in RE and PSHE lessons. In assemblies and in the day to day lives of each school, pupils are recognised not only for good work but also, for kindness and respectful behaviour. 

 

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs.  

The vision of Our Lady’s school is to develop a welcoming and inclusive community.  Our school is culturally diverse and are proud to promote and celebrate the different backgrounds within our school. We provide opportunities for children to understand that they live in a richly diverse society and to celebrate this diversity in the school, through assemblies, the curriculum and celebrations of cultures within classes. Worship and discussions around and about prejudices and prejudice-based bullying take place and are followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. As part of the RE curriculum, pupils learn about different faiths and have planned visits to other places of worship and welcome visitors from other faiths. Schools raise and donate money to charities each year and help a wide and varied set of causes.

 

Social, Moral, Cultural and Spiritual Development

Our Lady’s provides an education that gives pupils opportunities to explore and develop their own values and beliefs; spiritual awareness; high standards of personal behaviour; a positive, caring attitude towards other people; an understanding of their social and cultural traditions; and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of different cultures.

Extremism

Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British Values.   Schools have a statutory duty to pay “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. Details of this can be found in our Safeguarding Policy