At St Anne’s we recognise, not only the importance of helping students to flourish academically but also spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, so they are fully prepared for life in British society and for their role as responsible and well-rounded citizens. We teach the importance of British Values by exploring the sense of what it means to live a good life, within a framework of our Catholic Christian Values.
We promote values, virtues and ethics that shape our pupils' character and moral perspective, through the teachings of our church and more specifically of the gospels. We provide an education that focuses on the formation of the whole person and ensure the children see their self-worth when moving out into the wider community. Through this it provides the context and meaning for the children to understand why British values are important. We make sure that through our carefully sequenced curriculum and teaching, pupils develop a strong sense of social and moral responsibility which will prepare them for life in modern Britain.
Democracy
Democratic values are an explicit part of the ethos at St Anne’s and the children’s voice has a high profile. Adults listen to the views of the pupils and respect their opinions while pupils are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and their voices heard. Pupils are actively involved in agreeing classroom charters and understand the rewards of following agreed rules and the consequences of failing to adhere. Every class elects a School Council representative at the start of the year through a democratic election overseen by the school governors. The school council leads on projects which affect both the whole school but also the wider community and further afield. Year 6 children are able to put themselves forward for the role of Young School Leaders. Once elected, they work closely with the headteacher to create change on issues which affect the school. This has included changes to PE kits and hot dinner ordering.
The Rule of Law
Pupils are taught at St Anne’s to value and understand the reasons behind laws; that these rules are necessary in order to create a safe, stimulating learning environment. Our school has rules which are deeply embedded in our work every day and encompass our Christian values. Children are taught that each individual has a responsibility to uphold these rules in order to create a harmonious place to learn and that those who do not uphold the rules are subject to consequences, in the same way they would be in the wider community. We also reinforce these rules in a positive way though mature discussion and positive rewards. Assemblies and discussions in class are regular times to focus on recognising right from wrong.
Individual Liberty
Pupils within our school are encouraged 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. We encourage pupils to see themselves as unique individuals able to make a unique contribution to building our school community. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms and receive advice about how to exercise these safely. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, including online. This is done through computing lessons and outside organisations, as well as through the PSHE and RSE curriculum.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.
Together both children and adults alike model respect. We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our behaviour policy. The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small. As a Catholic community, pupils are equipped with the ability to develop positive values and understand their own beliefs within a culturally diverse society. We are able to use our Religious Education to provide pupils with a deep understanding of their own faith as well as an awareness of the faith and traditions of other religious communities as a basis for understanding and respecting them. We are able to show how Jesus encouraged tolerance and acceptance of others through many stories in the Bible.
British Values curriculum
