British Values
We aspire to teach the children to have respect for religious and moral values and to have respect for other races, religions and ways of life. We actively encourage the children to celebrate difference.
St Alban’s Catholic Primary School aims to provide the highest possible standard of education across the curriculum.
We wish to foster our pupils’ relationship with God and with others in order to be capable of reaching their full potential as responsible and caring adults.
We aspire:
- To provide a safe, caring stimulating environment for our children
- To foster in our children a reverence for God; a sense of love and respect for one another, and a true understanding of the Catholic Faith
- To see the values of God’s kingdom, prayer, truth, holiness, justice, love, forgiveness and peace at work in our school community
- To deepen the relationship between the home, school and the Parish of St Alban’s
- To use the school’s Mission Statement as a basis for ensuring personal growth and professional development within our community
- To help the children to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will help them to live a full and interesting adult life in the community
British Values
What are ‘fundamental British values’?
Schools are required to provide for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of their pupils. As part of this requirement, we are expected to actively promote fundamental British values.
The government defines these as:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
What does this mean for my child?
Our efforts to promote fundamental British values are designed to prepare children for life in modern Britain.
Ultimately, we aim to help pupils understand:
- The importance of combatting discrimination
- How we can influence decision-making by taking part in democratic processes like voting and petitioning
- Our freedom under British law to choose different faiths and beliefs
- That the law is there to keep us safe
What does this look like in school?
The values are reflected throughout our school, including in our ethos, policies and assemblies.
Children also engage with the values through the curriculum, in ways that are suitable for age and context. For example, in some subjects there are opportunities to think about traditions from different cultures and religions.
Extra-curricular activities such as games teach children about the importance of rules. Pupil votes, questionnaires and councils are other ways that children can have their voices heard and learn about democracy.
Out duty to actively fundamental British values means that we always present political views to children in a balance way. We are also responsible for challenging prejudiced or extreme opinions and behaviour.
As part of this responsibility, we have put measures in place to protect children from exposure to extremist views. Please feel free to contact the school if you would more information about this.
Click the picture below to download our British Values policy.
Democracy - Proverbs 15:22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Rule of Law - Romans 13:1 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities.”
Individual Liberty - Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”
Mutual Respect - Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs - Mark 12:31 “Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Where to go for more information
Contact the school
If you have any questions or concerns about British values and what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Government information
The following guidance and news article from the Department for Education (DfE) may be useful for further information:
Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools, DfE
https://www.gov.uk/goverment/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/380595/SMCS_Guidance_Maintained_Schools.pdf
Guidance on promoting British values in schools published
https://www.gov.uk/goverment/news/guidance-on-promoting-british-values-in-schools-published