British Values
On Tuesday 30th November 2021, School Council created their own assembly for the whole Junior School on British Values. Mrs Whelan challenged them the week before to work together with the school council members in their year group to create something to show and educate the school on our British values. The children were very creative in their ideas writing a script, designing posters and even producing a film! The children completed this on their own with no adult support. We are very proud of their achievements.
In accordance with The Department for Education 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 its law.
The Key Values are:
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democracy
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rule of law
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individual liberty
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mutual respect
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tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
At Saint Joseph's Catholic Junior School these values are underpinned by our mission statements and reinforced regularly in the following ways:
- Democracy
Democracy is promoted within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and pupil questionnaires. The elections of pupils to School Council, our Prayer Leaders and our Bikeit and Eco Representatives are based solely on pupil votes. The School Council promotes democratic processes, freedom of speech and group action to address needs and concerns. - The Rule of Law
The importance of Laws in school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws that govern and protect us as well as the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and the Fire Service (as well as others) help reinforce this message. - Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety, Caritas, RSE and PSHE lessons.
- Mutual Respect
Central to our School Mission Statements, school ethos are our core values and Gospel Values. Each month two members of each class is selected of who displays this value when in school. This is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy.
- Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE, Caritas, RSE and PHSE.
