Promoting British Values at St Alphonsus’

The DfE have 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.”

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister.  At St Alphonsus’’ these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

At St Alphonsus’ the children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class, around school or by peers. The council has its own budget and is able to genuinely effect change within the school. Two council members for each year group are voted in by their class. The annual elections of House Captains are also based solely on pupil votes. Children and parents have an annual questionnaire with which they are able to put forward their views about the school.

Our British Values in practice at St Alphonsus’ Democracy

 

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced regularly throughout the school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Regular visits from authorities such as the Police and the Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

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 and PHSE lessons. Whether it be 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.

We are free to choose our own activities and challenges in school. Here we are at work

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values and we expect all to adhere to this teaching regardless of their background, faith, or race. 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. Pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what mutual respect means and how it is shown.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

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 and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.

RE is meaningful in any society where beliefs and values are important: it’s about getting pupils to engage with the big questions of life. At St Alphonsus’ we regularly celebrate the beliefs and teachings of other faiths through exciting half termly studies of Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism as well as focusing primarily on Catholicism. These studies promote awareness and understanding of others.  This creates compassion and tolerance from those different from us.  We understand why other religions/cultures act/live the way they do. It develops a greater stability in our own faith.  We become inspired by the religious commitment of others which inspires us to participate more in our own faith.