British Values Statement

  Statement of British Values            

St Julie Catholic Primary School is committed to actively promoting British values to ensure our pupils leave us fully prepared for life in modern Britain. 

The government emphasises that all schools should ensure that they teach pupils about British values. We take every opportunity to promote the fundamental British values of:  

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

School Philosophy

In accordance with the school Mission Statement, St Julie’s is a school where children, staff and governors:

"learn, grow and walk inthe footsteps of Jesus"

This philosophy permeates all aspects of school life.  As such, we believe that the values of democracy, rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance are explicit and implicit in the Christian teaching and values of this school. As such, these five key values have long been embedded in the philosophy and life of St Julies and link directly with our school values of respect, unity, resilience, love, honesty and hope.

Securing British Values

St Julie’s Primary School uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure British values for students. Our weekly Picture News assembly and follow-up class discussions ensure all children have access to current affairs, providing children with opportunities to learn about and from the world we live in. Discussions about the featured weekly Picture News question develops children’s understanding of British values through making meaningful and relevant links, supporting children in becoming active citizens, prepared for life in the 21st century.

The examples that follow show some of the many ways in which we seek to instil these British values:

Democracy

  Democracy plays a key role within the day to day life of our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our proactive school. At St Julie’s, all class representatives are voted for by their class peers. The election process is explained in detail and the vote day takes the format of an election. 

Our pupils also evaluate Collective Worship and have influence on whole school practice. Individual pupils also have the opportunity to put themselves forward for roles and responsibilities such as being a playground buddy. 

The Rule of Law 

The importance of rules and laws, whether they be those that govern our school or our country, are referred to and reinforced often, such as in assemblies and when reflecting on behaviour choices. At the start of the school year, each class discusses and sets its own Class Charter, a set of principles that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment.

Pupils 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. These values are reinforced in different ways:

•    visits from authorities such as the police and fire service
•    during Religious Education, when reflecting upon rules for particular faiths
•    during other school subjects, where there is respect and appreciation for different rules – in a sports lesson, for example

Individual Liberty
  Within school, pupils 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 pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our Online Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect 

  Respect for each other, for our school and to others in our community is an integral part of our school ethos and Behaviour Policy. Pupils see staff model this by treating each other with respect and courtesy. We promote this in the way our children interact with each other in their classes and during social times. Mutual respect and fair play is also discussed and promoted within sports based activities. 

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
The Christian faith is fundamental to life at St Julie’s. We also understand and celebrate the diversity of the faith community in which we live and of the wider world. Lessons, assemblies and focus weeks encourage this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Strong links have been made with some faith groups and are regular and much welcomed visitors to the school. Children also visit places of worship.