St Osmund's Catholic Primary School

St Osmund's Catholic Primary School

Love for God - Love for each other - Love for learning

British Values

 

 In 2011 the government set out its definition of British Values which are:

 

  • Democracy
  • The Rule of Law
  • Individual Liberty
  • Mutual Respect
  • Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

 

British values are promoted throughout the school alongside our Catholic Values.
We support and teach our children about values and responsibilities that shape their lives through our mission statement. In doing so we reinforce British Values regularly in the following ways:

 

Democracy

Democratic values are an intrinsic part of St. Osmund’s ethos. Adults listen to children’s views and value their opinions. Our children have a voice! Our School Council is an active group of elected children who gather the views of their classmates. They have contributed to improvements in the school environment such as The Den – their wilderness project. They are becoming skilled entrepreneurs and plan events and activities to raise funds for specific projects and charities. They visit other schools to get ideas and collaborate so that they feel they have a real part to play in what their school can be. The school regularly demonstrates how children should contribute and cooperate as well as considering the views of others.

 

Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through PSHE lessons and school assemblies. Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws - that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. All staff have high expectations of children and rewards and sanctions are well understood, through the school’s behaviour policy. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Brigade are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

 

Individual Liberty

The school helps children develop their self-knowledge, confidence and self esteem through our Catholic ethos – particularly in our expectations of how we treat each other. Consideration for others is promoted through Religious Education, SMSC education and assemblies. Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young children to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, children are given the freedom to make choices. E.Safety lessons help children make online choices in a safe manner.

 

Mutual Respect

Values of respect and tolerance are at the heart of our mission and are evident in all areas of school life. All staff demonstrate respect and model behaviour and attitudes on which our positive relationships are built. Class discussions, liturgies and collective worship provide opportunities to show respect and reverence to others. The widespread collaborative work undertaken in lessons help value others’ opinions.

 

Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

Through our curriculum and spiritual life of the school, children are made aware of our culturally diverse society. The school community is rich in its diversity and other religions are studied within Religious Education. As part of our core values regardless of ability, faith, heritage or race, children often take the initiative in fundraising for international charities. The school has annual fundraising for CAFOD and the Trussell Trust.