British Values curriculum

TEACHING BRITISH VALUES

Promoting Fundamental British Values at St. Anne’s Catholic Primary School, Ormskirk.

The DfE recently reinforced the 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.”

Our School Mission Statement

‘Loving God in all we do.’

As a Catholic school we pride ourselves in reinforcing British Values with the children of our school, to enable them to grow into good citizens.  We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British Society and to the world.  We encourage all children to be tolerant and respectful to those of different faiths and beliefs. This is done by providing the children with an understanding of the main festivals and key dates of significance to British culture e.g. Remembrance Day, the Queen's Birthday and major political events such as elections.  We celebrate key British events such as the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by having our very own street party. We also have assemblies which reinforce this e.g. the visit from ‘Pop Project’ in 2016.

Democracy:

“Pupils are encouraged to take on roles of responsibility in the school and wider community through, for example, their work as school councillors and playground leaders.”

(Section 48 Inspection)

At St Anne’s we believe that children have should have a say in their education and we value their contribution and opinions.  We encourage them to do this in many different ways.  Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard and contribute their ideas and opinions through our School Council. At St Anne’s we use ‘houses’ to reward the children’s hard work and therefore have House Captains. The elections of House Captains each year are based solely on pupil votes. There is a debating club which participates in regular debates.  Through this debating children have the opportunity to discuss current topics and have a clear discussion and listen and respond to the views of others. As well as a visit from their local MP children also visit the Houses of Parliament and have the opportunity to learn more about the government of the country.

“Pupils have a good sense of right and wrong and apply this in their personal relationships.”

(Section 48 Inspection)

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils follow a behaviour policy (see school website) and clearly understand the rewards and sanctions that are used. Assemblies and discussions in class focus on recognising right from wrong.  Our children are taught about why we have laws and how these laws are enforced.  

Individual Liberty:

“Pupils embrace opportunities to meet their potential in all aspects of school life.”

(Section 48 Inspection)

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 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 are given advice how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, or participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect:

“They understand the demands and responsibilities that the living the mission places on them especially in how they form their relationships and treat each other with respect.”

(Section 48 Inspection)

Assemblies constantly promote respect for others and the importance of good manners.  All pupils are taught the importance of self-respect, honest and open communication with others and fair play. Pupils work collaboratively and value others’ opinions.  Displays around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom rules, as well as our behaviour policy.  We regularly participate in Sporting events with our neighbouring schools.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

“Pupils show respect and understanding of other faiths and religions.”

(Section 48 Inspection)

As a Catholic worshipping community, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our Come and See Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school. Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race.

 Gold UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador


Following a range of activities related to the UK Parliament and democracy which included a three day visit to ‘Teachers’ Institute’ at the Houses of Parliament, Class Teacher Mrs Avington was accredited as UK Parliament Teacher Ambassadors at the Gold level.

Pupils from St Anne's participated in school assemblies about democracy and Parliament and a range of class and inter-school debates with West End School - about a range of topics- from re-designing their school uniforms to discussing whether there should be limits on gaming!

Pupils from both schools had the opportunity to visit County Hall in Preston during UK Parliament week in November. They also enjoyed visits from Lord Storey who taught the children about the House of Lords and Councillor Nikki Hennessey who acted as Speaker for the inter-school debates. M.P. Rosie Cooper participated in some “Question time” sessions and talked about her role as a Member of Parliament.

UK Parliament Week


As part of UK Parliament Week, the Year Six children learnt about Parliament and how laws are created. They found out about the voting process and how the UK government is formed. They then held a class debate about climate change – with a designated speaker, Prime Minister and a Head of the Opposition!

Parliament Week Pictures

 

© Copyright 2020–2024 St. Anne's Catholic Primary School

School & College Websites by Schudio