In accordance with The Department for Education, we aim to actively promote British values in our school to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

The promotion of ‘British values’ is central to Catholic education because British values have their origin in the Christian values of our nation.

“We are proud that Catholic schools promote values that are both Catholic and British, including: respect for the individual, democracy, individual liberty, respect, tolerance and inclusiveness. Our schools promote cohesion by serving more ethnically diverse and poorer communities. Catholic schools provide high standards of education which are popular with parents from all social, economic and faith backgrounds.” 

Paul Barber (Catholic Education Service 15 December 2014).

We promote British Values though our mission statement, our Religious Education, our own faith, our assemblies and worships and our day to day life at St Peter's. They are woven into everything we do. We also promote British Values through our spiritual, moral, social and cultural education and ensure our curriculum and teaching strives to educate the ‘whole child’ and provide inclusive learning. As a staff, we all strive to emanate British Values through our behaviour and act as role models for our children. The term ‘British Values’ does not just apply to the values of Britain. The values set out apply to so many countries throughout the world – they differ in no way from the values of most western European countries

British Values and Our Catholic School Values

At our school, we embrace British values alongside our Catholic and school values to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. By fostering Service, Tolerance, Peace, Endurance, Truth, Enjoyment, and Respect, we help children grow into well-rounded individuals who are ready to make a positive impact on the world. These values work together to shape a caring and supportive community where every child feels valued and encouraged to thrive.

Democracy:

• We encourage students to have a voice and participate in decision-making processes. This aligns with our value of Respect, as we believe in treating each other with dignity and valuing everyone's opinions.

What do we do to teach Democracy?

• Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school, such as through the school MP roles

• Help pupils to express their views, including through circle time
• Democracy is shown/taught through history topics such as the Vikings, Saxons, Ancient Greece and inspirational women in history
• Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institution and services
• Teach pupils how they can influence decision- making through the democratic process (mock elections)
• Parent Conferences- these are held termly with parents. Their ideas and thoughts are listened to and taken on board

The Rule of Law:

• Understanding and following rules is essential for a harmonious community. This is closely linked to our value of Truth, as we emphasize honesty and integrity in all our actions.

What do we do to teach The Rule of Law?

• Clearly structured and publicised Behavioural Policy
• Assemblies cover national and international events
• Visits from outside agencies- e.g PCSOs
• Regular class and school awards and special celebrations
• Class rules- linked to our school’s values
• Use of praise and rewards to promote positive consequences (Class Dojo, Stay On Green etc)
• Visits from the local public services to talk to the children about being safe and the law. These include- fire service, police officers, 
• Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong

Individual Liberty:

• We support students in making their own choices and understanding their rights and responsibilities. This reflects our value of Enjoyment, as we celebrate the joy of learning and the freedom to explore one's interests.

What do we do to teach Individual Liberty?

• Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment, this includes a regular and high emphasis on online safety
• Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in the school, including school MPS, CAFOD Leaders etc
• Singing assemblies, Mission Statement and visual representation of our school values, spreading our vision
• A wide range of extra- curricular activities, events, residential trips and visitors enable the children to develop their individuality
• Implement a strong anti-bullying culture
• Ongoing visits to other places of worship- e.g synagogue
• Assemblies- key figures who campaigned for freedom
• Openly discussing and celebrating the differences between people such as different faiths, gender, ethnicity and disability
• Dress up days/Enrichment

Mutual Respect:

• Respect for others is a cornerstone of both British values and our school values. Our commitment to Tolerance and Respect ensures that every member of our community feels valued and included.

What do we do to teach Mutual Respect?

• A Mission Statement, Ethos and School Policies that are based on Gospel values that embrace respect and tolerance for each other.
• One of our school values
• We all have high expectations of achievement and behaviour. Children and staff are polite and kind
• We listen and respect each other
• All members of St Peter's staff are equally valued
• Weekly acknowledgements are made of all achievements and awards of the pupils in school
• Our wide range of sports activities promotes an attitude of equality and fairness
• Our PSHE/RHE curriculum embodies values of mutual  respect
• We promote respect for individual differences
• Organise visits to places of worship
• Develop critical personal thinking skills
• Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
• Class assemblies have universal themes of respect and embed our school values
• As part of our RE curriculum each class learns about other faiths; Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism. In these lessons the children will learn about the faith’s beliefs, traditions and cultures and how they are similar or different to our own
• We consider how some cultures and countries have vulnerable people e.g. homeless people and refugees. Through our charity work with Cafod and Mini Vinnies we have raised money and awareness for people in need at home and abroad

Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs:

• We embrace diversity and encourage understanding and acceptance of different cultures and beliefs. This is in harmony with our value of Service, as we strive to serve others with compassion and kindness.

What do we do to teach Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs?

• St Peter's Catholic Primary School has high expectations about pupil conduct and understanding of diversity. This is reflected in our Behaviour and Equality policies
• One of our school values
• As a Catholic worshipping community, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through the Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school
• Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or ethnicity
• Daily worship offers opportunities to teach tolerance and understanding
• Diversity is also promoted through music, displays, international days, drama/stories etc