British Values
At Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Primary School we uphold and teach pupils about the British Values as directed under Ofsted guidance, September 2014
‘ ensure that they and the school promote tolerance of and respect for people of all faiths (or those of no faith), cultures and lifestyles; and support and help, through their words, actions and influence within the school and more widely in the community, to prepare children and young people positively for life in modern Britain’
As educators we recognise we have a duty to prepare our children for life in modern Britain and to keep them safe.
The British values are:-
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
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).
As a Catholic School we actively promote values, virtues and ethics that shape our pupils' character and moral perspective, through the teachings of the Church. We provide an education that focuses on the formation of the whole person and on our vocation and purpose in life. We follow the example of the Good Samaritan where we are called to love and care for our neighbour. We ensure that through our school vision, ethos, agreed rules, curriculum and teaching we promote respect and tolerance for all cultures, faiths and lifestyles.
The examples that follow are an indication of some of the many ways we seek to embed British values at IHOM Catholic Primary School and should be seen as an indication of our approach rather than an exhaustive list. At IHOM we recognise, not only the importance of helping pupils to flourish academically but also spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, so they are fully prepared for life in British society and for their role as citizens, able to make the strongest possible contribution to the Common Good of all. We teach the importance of British Values by going much deeper into the meaning of what it means to live a good life, within a framework of Catholic Christian Values. This provides the context and meaning for understanding why British values are important. Our framework for understanding British values draws on the example of Jesus and his welcome and inclusion of all, which is developed in Catholic Social Teaching.
We are committed to serving our community and local area. In so doing we reinforce British values regularly and in the following ways:
- Our School Mission Statement which outlines our commitment to a community rooted in love, tolerance, respect and celebration of differences.
- Assemblies and collective worship where we teach respect for all, right and wrong, tolerance and differences and respecting and following the law.
- R.E lessons which teach the children about other faiths as well as their own.
- A range of curriculum topics which have strong links to British History and reflect modern British culture i.e. the Queens Diamond Jubilee, Remembrance, Olympics,
- Visits from authorities such as the police, fire service, ambulance service etc. help to reinforce the rule of law.
- Our School Council and a democratic system of voting and providing a "voice" for all pupils.
- Theme weeks e.g. Anti-Bullying Week, Remembrance, Internet Safety.
- Pupils are keen to support charities, whether local, national or global e.g. St. George’s Crypt, SVP, CAFOD.
- Our School Code of Conduct.