The Department for Education has introduced a statutory duty for schools to promote British Values more actively from September 2014, and to ensure they are taught in schools.   St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School is committed to serving its community.  It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom.  It also understands the vital role it has 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.   It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar.

 

St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal, examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.

 

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.  The five key British Values are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

 

The school uses strategies within the national curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School seeks to instil British Values.

 

Democracy

Pupils participate in holding elections and canvassing for support in a process which mimics British political process in order to vote for Children’s Committee, SNAG, Eco-Warriors etc.  Votes are often held for sporting positions, team captains and other representative positions.  The importance of the vote, including issues such as the right to vote, are included in citizenship lessons.  We invite our local politician to share his role in society.

 

The rule of law

We have a strong values-based ethos which reinforces and rewards good conduct. Children are helped to understand their responsibilities towards others, to respect others and their property and to relate these responsibilities to school rules, codes of conduct and the world outside school.  We arrange visits to the school by the CSO and the police to inform pupils of their roles, duties and authority.

 

Individual liberty

There is a strong anti-bullying policy which all stakeholders subscribe to, both implicitly and explicitly.  Bullying and victimisation is not tolerated in any shape or form, including cyber-bullying. The dangers of social networking sites are well explained and pupils know how to protect themselves whilst still being free to express their individuality.

 

Mutual respect

All individuals and their views and beliefs are respected, valued, cherished and protected.  Pupils understand their right to receive an education and know the consequences of their behaviour choices on others.  Pupils treat each other, staff, visitors and members of the wider community with respect and politeness.

 

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School is a Catholic school that, within its Christian ethos, is keen to explore other faiths, customs and practices. Our Religious Education programme, The Way, the Truth and the Life does not  look at all faiths, but by bringing visitors to the school or taking our pupils to other places of worship, in all its forms, we acknowledge the need to accept and tolerate people of other faiths.