British Values

The government has set out its definition of ‘British Values’ in the Prevent Strategy. Schools are required to provide for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of pupils. As part of this requirement, we actively promote Fundamental British Values. The government defines these as:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

Please see how our RE curriculum links to British Values by following this link:  The Teaching of British Values through The Way, The Truth and The Life The promotion of ‘British Values’ is central to Catholic education because British Values have their origin in the Christian values of our nation. Please see how we support the british values throughout all of our teaching and learning. 

Democracy

Democracy is embedded in school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard.  Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and regular questionnaires.  The elections of the School Council members are based on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. Please also take a look at our school council's trip to 10 Downing Street, where the pupils were immersed in the history and traditions of Great Britain. 

The Rule of Law 

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country are consistently reinforced throughout every day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through assemblies. The curriculum is designed to ensure pupils are taught the values and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service are regular parts of our learning programmes and help reinforce this message. 

Individual Liberty 

We actively encourage pupils to make independent choices knowing that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. We encourage pupils to see themselves as unique individuals able to make a unique contribution to building community, for example through our School Council, Pupil Leadership Team and our Youth Parliament. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms and receive advice about how to exercise these safely, for example through our exploration of online safety in computing.

Mutual Respect 

St. Vincent’s underpins all education through respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning environments as well as extra-curricular activities such as sport. In line with our commitment to democracy, pupils are always able to voice their opinions as we foster an environment where pupils can debate ideas and are safe to disagree with each other. We encourage pupils to substantiate opinions and to realise the value of co-operation and consensus as well as decision making through voting.  Through focus weeks, such as anti-bullying and friendship week, we aim to highlight all of the things we value as a school that promotes equality and respect for all who serve in our school community. 

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

This is achieved through equipping pupils with the ability to develop positive values, understand their own beliefs and their place in a culturally diverse society.  We celebrate the differences between all people and cultures and aim to recognise what is good in everything we do and learn about. Through Multi Faith weeks and special events such as United Nations Day, All pupils experience a connection with other cultures and beliefs. St. Vincent’s promotes collaboration as a rich source of learning, with an emphasis on working with others and learning other languages which directly contributes to the appreciation of others perspectives on life. Our Religious Education curriculum follows the teaching of the Church in providing a broad and balanced education, which includes an understanding of and respect for people of other faiths or none and other religions, cultures and lifestyles.