British Values

Promoting Fundamental British Values at St Mary’s Catholic Federation, Carshalton

The DfE have recently 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 the 2011 Prevent Strategy.  

 At St Mary’s Catholic Federation, Carshalton these values are reinforced regularly through our Mission Statement actively as part of committment to following the values of Catholic Social Teaching and in the following ways:

Democracy

Democracy is evident throughout our school.  Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through the pupil questionnaires and School Council whose members are elected annually.  Our school’s Behaviour Policy involves reinforcement of positive behaviours.

The Rule of Law 

The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced, particularly during school and class, PSHE and topic work.  Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws; that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and consequences when laws and rules are broken. 

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons.  

Mutual Respect

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around core values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown.

Respect for those of all faiths, no faith, different cultures and lifestyles

This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity.   Discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based issues have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.

Prevent

At St Mary’s Catholic Federation, Carshalton we see protecting children from the risk of radicalisation as part of our school’s wider safeguarding duty whether these come from within their family or are the product of outside influences.

We promote fundamental British Values and provide a safe space in which children and staff can understand the risks associated with terrorism; assisting their personal, social and emotional development and understanding of the world.