British Values

We educate our children in a Catholic community with Christ at the Centre

The Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year. The DfE has recently reinforced the need 'to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values.' These are:

•          Democracy
•         The rule of law
•          Individual liberty
•          Mutual respect
•          Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

At St. James’ Catholic Primary School, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through School Council. Each year, elections are held and children engage in the democratic process by completing and returning ballot forms in a formal election procedure.  Please visit the 'School Council' section of our website for further information.  Children, parents and staff are given regular opportunities to give feedback on school life. This is done through pupil interviews, Parents' Forum, parent/staff/pupil questionnaires, individual meetings and School Council Meetings.

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. We ensure that our children follow school rules and know the consequences if rules are broken.  This is always within the understanding of mutual respect and that we are all made in the image and likeness of God.

We constantly remind the children about the Gospel Values and emphasise that we all need to follow and demonstrate them as part of our Catholic Life.

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 through our Religious Education curriculum and PSHE lessons in particular. 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, with the important commandment being, ‘Love one another as I have loved you’. 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 worshiping 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. Our timetabled visits to places of different faiths promotes understanding of the right of all people to choose practice a faith and live their lives in accordance with their faith. 

Pupil Profile - The Jesuit Institute

The Catholic Pupil Profile has its own logo which shows the virtues we will be focusing on.  The tree is symbolic of the growth of the virtues. Within its branches comfortably resting is the goldfinch which has been used in art since medieval times to symbolise Christ and the Passion.

All schools in the diocese are adopting an approach similar to the Jesuit Pupil Profile. In the profile are eight sets of words which have been paired together because of their complementary and harmonising relationship to one another: from the development of one virtue springs another.