British Values
Promoting Fundamental British Values at St. Giles' Catholic Primary School
In accordance with The Department for Education and our Catholic Faith, 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 and protected by its law.
The Key Values are:
- Democracy
- Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
How this is done at St Giles' Catholic Primary School:
At St Giles' we situate British Values within the context of Gospel Values and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
The main Catholic Social Teachings:
Mutual Respect
Dignity of each human is one of the key concepts in Catholic Social Teaching. God is present in every human person, regardless of religion, culture, nationality, orientation or economic standing. Each one of us is unique and beautiful. We are called to treat every person and every creature with loving respect. We are called to respect, value and recognise all people as being made in the image and likeness of God.
Democracy
The Catholic Social teaching principle of subsidiarity means that all people have the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives. These decisions should be made at the appropriate level, by the people most affected by the decision. It also means that those in positions of authority have the responsibility to listen to everyone’s voice, and make decisions according to the common good. Democracy is explored, lived and experienced through teaching and learning, pupil voice, pupil leadership and extracurricular activities.
The Rule of Law
Fundamental to St Giles' understanding of the importance of the Rule of Law, is the greatest command,
‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind and ‘your neighbour as yourself.’” Luke 10:25-27
The Christian concept of Law is explored through RE, Gospel Values, Collective Worship and whole school activities.
Individual Liberty
Liberty is explored within the context of Christ’s teaching on morality, freedom, to make the right choices and recognise that with freedom comes responsibility,
“Do to others as you would have them do to you” – Luke 6:31.
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs is explored through the understanding of diversity, inclusion and respect for the unique value of each person. St Giles' seeks to educate all pupils to be critical thinkers who are seeking truth in a very complex world. We foster open minds and hearts to learn and grow together. Our community is made of a variety of families from different faith traditions which reflects the global church.
A helpful way for children to remember the British Values is to use the thumb and finger model:
Thumb – Democracy – up or down to give opinion.
Index finger – Rule of Law - pointing
Middle finger – Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs – tallest finger pointing to God.
Ring Finger – Mutual Respect – wedding ring – respect for other people
Little finger – Individual Liberty – sticks out on its own.
We actively promote British values through
- Focusing on and showing how the school’s work is effective in securing these values
- Challenging pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to British values