Christian Values and British Values
Our School Values
Our Christian values and commitment are at the core of everything we do. They underpin our teaching and learning, and provide a learning environment which prepares our children to become confident and happy members of the community.
Aims:
- To provide awe and wonder experiences to develop the spiritual learning of all members of the school community.
- To ensure high quality teaching which will equip our children with the necessary skills to become life long learners.
- To create independent, confident, resilient, hard working members of society.
- To promote a wide range of enrichment experiences.
- To develop a life long love for learning through fun, stimulating and thought provoking activities.
- To promote, facilitate and enable the inclusion of all children.
Our strong Christian ethos enables the children to strive to achieve in all they do. Our team consisting of children, parents, staff, governors and the wider community, all work together to live by our Christian values of:
Peace, Thankfulness, Trust, Hope, Love and Respect.
Promoting British Values at St Andrew’s CE Primary School
St Andrew’s is a Church of England (VA) School and as such we celebrate the Christian moral values – including actively promoting a strong sense of community amongst our pupils and staff and ensuring that they are aware and understand the multicultural, multi-faith and changing nature of the United Kingdom. We welcome all children and their families whatever their faith or if they have none.
The values enshrined in the Equalities Act of 2010 are at the heart of our school. We believe that it is wrong to discriminate against anyone on the basis of ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, disability, political beliefs, financial status or any other protected characteristic. We actively promote equality within the school community. We recognise the vital role played by schools in safeguarding young people from discrimination and radicalisation, and ensure that this role is supported by extremely robust safeguarding procedures.
The five British values, set out in the Government’s 2011 Prevent Strategy, are the foundation of an effective community. The values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs are celebrated within the school community, both through our curriculum, reflecting the National Curriculum, and through a wealth of extra-curricular events and activities.
We believe these values to be fundamental human values which we actively promote alongside our Christian values.
Below are some examples of how the British values are celebrated within the school and how they link with our Christian values:
British Value : Democracy
Link to our Christian value: Peace
Encourage peace making to help resolve conflict and creating space for stillness. Helping children to resolve differences in a constructive way and encourage reflection. | ||||
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at St Andrew’s CE Primary School, with democratic processes being used for important decisions within the school community. Children have the opportunity to have their voices heard via the annual pupil questionnaire and the School Council which meets regularly and discusses improvements within the school as well as organising events for other pupils. School Council representatives are elected by their peers and have a responsibility to report back to the rest of their class. The election of members of our school council is based solely on pupil votes. A recent example of teaching about democracy was during the last election when assemblies informed children about the election process. Children also learn about the principles of democracy and justice during topic lessons when they learn about various countries and their history. Pupils are encouraged to engage in debates and express their views across the curriculum. For example the children discuss the characters they meet through literature and give their opinions concerning their actions. They also enthusiastically offer their thoughts on environmental issues, whether real or engineered as part of their topic.
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British Value: Rule of Law Link to our Christian Value: Trust
Exploring ways in which we can be trusted at school and at home to do the right thing. Linking to how God trusts us to carry out his purpose. An understanding of the rule of law is developed through class discussions around the rights and responsibilities of the pupils. This informs relationships and behaviour in school and shapes school rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us and the consequences of breaking the law. Visits from various authorities such as the Police and the Fire Service help us to reinforce this message. The children are also trained as ‘Play Leaders’ and participate in the resolution of minor playground disputes. Helping pupils distinguish between right and wrong is an integral part of the school day, however, specific curriculum units are also used to develop understanding. | ||||
British Value: Individual Liberty Link to our Christian Value: Thankfulness
Encourage appreciation a thankful attitude to all members of the school and school community. To be thankful for the rights we have and the gifts that God has given us. | ||
At St Andrew’s CE Primary, pupils are actively encouraged to make independent choices, in the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. A comprehensive Positive Behaviour Policy is also in place which focuses on rights and responsibilities and how their own actions affect others. Children take responsibilities such as Head Boys and Girls, School Council, Worship leaders, Playground leaders etc. Children participate in whole school Remembrance Day assemblies. We use a range of homework where children are given a choice in what and how they present their findings - around a theme. We encourage participation in charitable events e.g. Children in Need, Sport Relief, NSPCC, Comic Relief etc where children take responsibility to help others through fund raising activities. There is a strong anti-bullying culture in school. We incorporate anti-bullying strategies into our curriculum across the year. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety policy where children are taught to keep their personal information confidential. Our children are encouraged to give their opinions and share these ideas with due regard for the feelings of others. As part of our curriculum we place a huge emphasis on the social and emotional learning of our children and feel we send them to their secondary school as well rounded individuals. | ||
British Value : Mutual Respect Link to our Christian Value: Respect
Provide opportunities for children to work collaboratively, develop friendships and show acts of kindness. Link to stories in the Bible where respect is shown. Mutual respect is encouraged and nurtured throughout St Andrew’s CE Primary and is one of our ‘Good to be Green’ Rules - both through study in the classroom and through the application of school expectations. Mutual respect is at the heart of our Christian values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Children develop an understanding of tolerance and mutual respect. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. A key element of the RE syllabus taught throughout KS1 and 2 is the encouraging of mutual respect and the discussion and acknowledgement of a variety of beliefs and opinions. Pupils are provided with a safe environment in which to explore and express their own views.
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British Value: Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs Link to our Christian Values: Hope
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