British Values
At St. James’ we believe that our values, as illustrated in our Mission Statement, fully encompass what the Government calls the ‘British Values’. The DFE reinforces the promotion of ‘British values’ in schools, as vital in ensuring that children grow up free from bullying and discrimination. At St. James’ any form of bullying is not tolerated. Our belief in ‘ The Common Good’, which underpins our ethos, is confirmation of our total support for the ‘British Values’. The Government’s definition of ‘British values’ includes the following:
Democracy
The Rule of Law
Individual Liberty
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
At. St. James’ we listen to children and value the freedoms and responsibilities that a Democracy brings. We have a democratically elected School Council and ensure that pupils have opportunities to take on responsibilities. Parents and pupils are consulted regularly and there are opportunities for parents and pupils to share their views. We promote fairness by ensuring that all pupils are enabled to share their viewpoints without fear. This has been enhanced by our Philosophy project.
We teach children the importance of The Rule of Law. Children create ‘Golden Rules’ for their class at the beginning of each year. They understand that rules are there to protect everyone, to keep people safe and enable to them to learn.
Pupils are encouraged to make choices within a safe and supportive environment. They are taught how to minimise risk, particularly when using the internet. Assemblies and PSHE lessons are used to promote Individual Liberty. Children learn how to make the right choices in different situations. They understand that the choices they make have an impact on others; their liberty must not be at the expense of someone else’s well-being.
We teach children that Mutual Respect is at the heart of our ethos. We believe that when adults and pupils treat each other with respect, this value is taken out to the wider community. It is the right of everyone to be treated with respect regardless of gender, faith, culture, belief or difference. We believe that God made each one of us as a unique being and that difference is to be celebrated; it is not for us to judge others but to love.
Through the curriculum, our assemblies and our own faith, we teach the children Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs. We invite other faith leaders and young members of other faiths, to come into school and talk to our pupils about their faith experience. We visit other places of worship. At St. James’ we actively challenge pupils or adults who express opinions that are contrary to our ethos and the ‘British values’ outlined above.
Should you be concerned about extremist views within the school or feel that the school is not promoting British Values, please contact the school office.