St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School Euxton

                                                                           British Values Statement

‘Living and Learning Together in Faith’

At St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School Euxton, we uphold and teach pupils about British values as directed under Ofsted guidance, September 2014, which states that schools should:

‘...promote tolerance of and respect for people of all faiths (or those of no faith), cultures and lifestyles; and support and help, through their words, actions and influence within the school and more widely in the community, to prepare children and young people positively for life in modern Britain.’

Our commitment to a community rooted in love, tolerance, respect and celebration of differences, flows from our School Mission Statement:

As a Catholic School we at St. Mary’s strive to live as a Christian family and, in accordance with the Gospel values, promote the development of each child as a whole person.

Living and Learning Together in Faith

At St. Mary’s we are committed to serving our community and local area. In so doing we reinforce British values regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

• Democratic values are an explicit part of the ethos at St. Mary’s. All adults listen to the views of the pupils and value their opinions. Pupils have further opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council.

The Rule of Law:

• The importance of laws and rules are consistently reinforced in the classroom, as well as through school assemblies. Pupils are taught to understand the need for laws - that they are there for individual protection, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Pupils follow a positive behaviour policy and clearly understand the rewards and sanctions that are used. Assemblies and discussions in class focus on recognising right from wrong and visits from the police, fire service and local councillors help to reinforce these messages. Older children also visit the local magistrates’ court.

Individual Liberty:

• Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment. Developing their self-esteem and self-confidence is very important. Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect. All pupils are keen to support charities, whether local, national or global. They are taught consideration for others in particular through our R.E. programme ‘Come and See. E-safety teaching enables them to make choices in a safe manner.

Mutual Respect:

• Our school’s ethos and behaviour policy are based on Gospel values, our mission of ‘Living and Learning Together in Faith’ is central. Assemblies constantly promote respect for others and the importance of good manners.  All pupils are taught the importance of self-respect, honest and open communication with others and fair play. Pupils work collaboratively and value others’ opinions.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

• As a Catholic worshipping community, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school. Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race.