British Values

Schools, through their curriculum, are legally bound to teach and promote fundamental British values. These are values that have been attributed, by the government, to being British. They fall into the following broad areas.

Democracy- Respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process.
The Rule of Law- Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England.
Individual Liberty- Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law.
Tolerance and Respect- Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religions and other beliefs.

At St. Patrick’s, we reflect British values in all that we do. We actively promote these values in the following ways:

Democracy

Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services through discussion within curriculum work.
Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process through our well established School Council.
Include in the curriculum information on the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain.
Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school. Pupil voice is very strong in our school and children all have a say through the channels of the School Council.
Organise visits to the local democratic establishments and visits from local politicians.
Hold ‘mock elections’ so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view. Our elections for representatives for the School Council are run very professionally by the pupils!
Help pupils to express their views.
Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged.

The Rule of Law

Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair. School and classroom rules and expectations are established with pupils.
Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong
Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made
Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals
Include visits from the police in the curriculum. Visits from Community Police Officers, their dogs and demonstrations from the Fire Service feature in our school calendar.
Teach pupils aspects of both civil and criminal law and discuss how this might differ from some religious laws
Develop restorative justice approaches to resolve conflicts

Individual Liberty

Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence through all interactions with pupils
Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights
Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence
Challenge stereotypes through SMSC / PHSE work and assemblies
Implement a strong anti-bullying culture

Respect and Tolerance

Promote respect for individual differences
Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life through curriculum work in religious education and circle time.
Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
Organise visits to places of worship through our religious education work
Develop links with faith communities
Develop critical personal thinking skills throughout our curriculum work
Discuss differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations, such as looked-after children or young carers