The Department for Education states that there is a need:
“To create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”.
According to Ofsted, British values are:
- democracy;
- the rule of law;
- individual liberty;
- mutual respect;
- tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.
These British Values closely match the Gospel Values shared by all CAST schools. These are :
- Humility
- Compassion
- Kindness
- Justice
- Forgiveness
- Integrity
- Peace
- Courage
The Rule of Law
The St Joseph's Way helps us to live our lives as Christians by following rules which helps show visitors our excellent levels of behaviour.
We ensure pupils know the importance of Laws, whether these govern the class, the school or the country. We do this through the RE and PSHE curriculum as well as through Assemblies and Liturgies.
Pupils are taught the values and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and that there are consequences if laws are broken. Visits from the police and fire service help reinforce this message to key year groups.
Individual Liberty
Within school, the children 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 young pupils to make choices safety, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education. 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 and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Democracy
School Council - At St Joseph's, the school council members are elected each year. Those pupils who are keen to represent their class and our school in this capacity prepare a short speech which they present to their peers early in the Autumn Term. Each child then gets to vote, with the winning candidate being elected as the councillor and vice councillor.
The members of the school council meet regularly to discuss whole school issues and help make decisions for the benefit of the school. Once a term, they report and feedback to governors on the work they have completed.They take minutes and publish these on their display board which is located outside Mrs Burke's and Mrs Taylor's office.
Children also have the opportunity for their voice to be heard via the school council or through pupil questionnaires. The school governors also encourage the use of pupils being able to communicate to them.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Within our Mission Statement, two of our aims are based upon respect.
- To ensure that the life and curriculum of the school celebrates and respects the differing ethnic, social, spiritual and cultural backgrounds present in the school and society.
- To expect high standards of behaviour, courtesy and respect endangering a spirit of co-operation, kindness and compassion within the school community.
Tolerance
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, PSHE, e-safety and anti- bullying week. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Our community celebration event every year promotes understanding of different faiths, beliefs and cultures. We celebrate festivals from all religions and visit different places of worship.