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

Democracy

Democracy is embedded at the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and regular questionnaires. The elections of the School Council members, and House Captains are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout our school day, through our school assemblies and also when dealing with behaviour in school. We encourage our pupils to distinguish right from wrong and help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals. Our 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 the Police etc. also help to reinforce our messages. Our restorative justice approach helps us to resolve conflicts.

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 our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. We support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies) lessons. We implement a strong anti-bullying culture and pride ourselves on being a Telling school.

Mutual Respect

The heart of our whole school ethos is a commitment to PRIDE – a set of core values that we believe contribute to individuals being able to live happy and successful lives within the communities to which they belong. Each value is chosen to underpin the need for mutual respect between our pupils and their peers, staff, their families and their wider community. Our Values are taught through assemblies and form a key part of our daily dialogue across school. The PRIDE values are promoted across school and it is deeply embedded in all that we do at the school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small. The core value of PRIDE at St Christopher’s CE Primary School underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom. Our school frequently participates in learning activities which promote mutual respect including visits to St Christopher’s church. In addition to these activities our children are given regular opportunities to learn in within their community and beyond, each time an emphasis is placed on respecting those with whom they come into contact and their surroundings. A very wide range of extra-curricular clubs are offered at St Christopher’s CE Primary School both a lunchtime and after the school day. These clubs provide another opportunity for mutual respect to be secured in the attitudes of our pupils, both amongst those participating from their own setting, and any visiting staff or teams.

Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths And Beliefs

Our core value of PRIDE ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. St Christopher’s CE Primary School enhances pupils understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies; PATHS work; welcoming visitors from other schools that are not predominately white British, and enjoying a depth of study St Christopher’s follows the RE agreed syllabus which ensures that all children learn about the main religions and teaches respect and understanding for the cultures, beliefs, opinions and traditions or others. Class assemblies also help to contribute to the knowledge of special occasions, beliefs and customs. Additionally, we give children the opportunity to enhance their understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future. We use opportunities such as the Olympics and current news and events from around the world to help the children study and learn about life and cultures in different countries.