Promoting Fundamental British Values

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in schools 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 Key Values are:

• democracy
• rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

At St Mary's Church of England Primary School we have always recognised the importance of educating our children so that they embrace the diverse Britain we live in today. We provide opportunities and life experiences that will help our children to contribute to an ever changing, diverse society throughout their lives.

Democracy

Pupils are taught to listen carefully and with concern for each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Children have the opportunity to express their opinions and ideas through our Young Governors which is made up of elected members from each year group (Years 2-6) who work closely with school leaders. Children's voices are heard and valued in our community through structured debates, surveys and votes for class stories and equipment. 

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, is consistently reinforced through our curriculum, behaviour system and through Collective Worship. We expect our children to behave impeccably at all times, and they are taught, through our behaviour policy, the consequences of both breaking and following the rules. This ensures that every child is able to learn in a happy, safe environment where everyone supports one another. 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

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 provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a secure environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely and sensibly through our PSHE curriculum. Whether it is through the curriculum or through participation in our extra- curricular activities, our pupils are given the freedom to make choices, and these are celebrated throughout our school community.

Mutual Respect

Respect is one of the core values that is tangible at our school. Good manners are a fundamental expectation at St Mary's, and pupils respond respectfully and willingly at all times. We teach the value of respect through our PSHE lessons, Collective Worship and throughout our school environment. At St Mary's mutual respect is shown between all members of our community, and this is praised, celebrated and rewarded. We have frequently been awarded the Spirit of the Games award for showing excellent sportsmanship and sporting events.

Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

Our school enhances pupils understanding of the 9 protected characteristics (including people different faiths, beliefs and gender) through a broad approach to Religious Education, our daily acts of Collective Worship, our varied PSHE curriculum, and our range of stories available to children. We offer visits to a variety of different places of worship, such as gurdwaras, synagogues and mosques or invite guest speakers from the St Phillips Centre into school to work with our pupils.