Promoting Fundamental British Values

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is “right” and “wrong”, all people living in England are subject to its law.

The Key Values are:

Democracy

As a school we listen to children’s and parent’s voice and regularly seek their views through questionnaires using Google forms. Our ‘Open Door’ policy enables all parents to express their views on the school and through our positive partnerships, we work closely to bring about effective change.

Our children are taught about the importance of democracy through our curriculum and the right to have a voice in the world.  Each year, children apply for and are voted into key roles and responsibilities. 

Rule of law

The importance of law, whether that be those that govern the class, the school or the country are constantly reinforced throughout the school day.  Pupils are taught the values and the reasons behind laws which govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.

From entry to school pupils are continually taught to recognise the importance of all children having a right to learn, a right to feel and be safe, and all teachers having a right to teach.  We consistently reinforce our high expectations of children. Children are taught about Gospel Values and reasons behind our expectations (rules) that they are there to protect us, that everyone has a responsibility and that there are consequences when rules are broken. We acknowledge that mistakes and wrong choices are made in life and endeavour to coach children to learn from them and use their experiences to choose the right paths in life.

Throughout the school year we welcome visits from the police service to reinforce the message of right and wrong, the fire brigade (fire safety) and PCSO (community safety etc) which all aid the children and support us in our teaching of right and wrong.

Individual liberty

Within our school children are encouraged to use their Creativity Collaborative habits of learning which leads to making their own choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment to enable them to do this.

Through our curriculum delivery, lesson design and Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural (SMSC) sessions, we discuss different choices that the children can make and encourage them to make the right choices.

We always encourage pupils to reflect on their choices and the effect that it has on both their peers and adults. They are given opportunities to resolve conflicts effectively and fairly.  

Through E-safety and computing lessons, we teach the importance of staying safe and acting responsibly online.

Throughout our RE lessons children are taught that every person is unique and created in the image of God.

Mutual respect

Our whole school ethos is built around our mission of: ‘Let your light shine’ and vision of ‘have hope and flourish’.

With this comes a high expectation for mutual respect and we believe that respect for others is a vital component of moral development.  We believe that everyone is unique; everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the school and the wider community.  We encourage open discussions through all lessons.  

Through our lesson design we make links to the values and expectations we have of all our children.  Our staff at St Augustine’s pride themselves on the relationships that they build with the children ensuring that all children are respected and their voices are heard actively supporting all to develop their own reasoned views about moral and ethical issues.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Everyone is welcome at St Augustine’s. Whilst our mission is rooted in the Catholic faith, there’s an emphasis on understanding the beliefs and traditions of others. Our curriculum and environment is distinctly Catholic and all families are expected to respect this distinct identity. However, we believe that every individual is unique and made in the image and likeness of God and we respect them for who they are.