At St Joseph’s Primary and Nursery School we take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain. We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school. All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and in particular, our PSHE skills which includes Citizenship, elements of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural lessons and Religious Education. The Early Years Curriculum includes Personal, Social and Emotional Development and Understanding the World which help children to respect and value all people and provide opportunities to deepen and develop understanding.
Children at St Joseph’s embrace these concepts with enthusiasm and demonstrate a good understanding of how to apply to their own lives.
Our school makes considerable efforts to ensure children have exposure to a wide experience beyond their local community during which these concepts are shown. Sporting events, a range of trips and visitors and use of outdoor education are planned to ensure children’s experiences are broad, meaningful and varied. Their strong rooted ‘values-based’ understanding gives them an excellent platform for embracing difference.
Combatting discrimination – Hope – At St Joseph’s, it is important that we all live life to the full, as is our Mission Statement. To do this, we know we have a part to play in God’s plan, and it is a positive one. So discrimination has no place at St Joseph’s, as it has no place in the Gospel. We follow the words of St Francis when he said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and if you have to… use words.”
Tolerance, acceptance, respect (People of all faiths) – Love – At St Joseph’s, Love is part of our Mission Statement. Our Mission demands tolerance, acceptance and respect, and that we treat others the way we wish to be treated. We follow Jesus who said, “Love one another as I have loved you.”
Freedom to choose your faiths and beliefs held in law – Faith – At St Joseph’s, all are welcome, regardless if they are Catholic or not. All have a right to their beliefs, and to use them to live their lives to the fullest. We follow Christ as he said that, “I have come so that they may live life to the full.”
Citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process – At St Joseph’s we have an active pupil voice who meet several times per term. Our School Council meets regularly and quite simply, if they decide something that fits within the culture of the school, it happens. The pupils also use their vote every year to decide upon their House Captains.
Living under the rule of law protects our wellbeing and safety – At St Joseph’s, the children know our Culture Statement and they know our rules are there to keep us safe. Children choose their own behaviour and are responsible for it – and they are responsible for keeping the school rules, which protects all our safety and wellbeing.
Separation of executive and judiciary – Our School Rules promote positive messages to the children and keep us safe in school. We are regularly visited by Ramsbottom Police, who give us positive messages about they keep us safe when we are in Ramsbottom or in Bury.
What are British Values?
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ values of:
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Democracy
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The rule of law
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Individual liberty
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Mutual respect
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Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
