British Values

In 2011, the government defined British Values as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We promote these values through our own school values, curriculum and enrichment activities. We provide a Catholic curriculum, which is broad and balanced, recognising that every pupil is unique and is created in the image of God. Our curriculum is designed to enable every pupil to discern their vocation and to be well-equipped to follow it as active citizens in service to the world. Catholic Religious Education is the “core of the core curriculum” (Pope St John Paul II) and the foundation of the entire educational process. We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school.

Democracy

We have a strong pupil voice; mission team supporting Catholic Life Ambassadors, School Council, Play Leaders, Eco Club. These are used as an opportunity to promote and teach about democracy.
We encourage volunteerism in and out of school. This includes things like playground buddies and also raising money for local and national charities.
Democracy is also promoted through additional PSHE lessons and assemblies.
Pupils are taught about the Rights of the Child and learn to respect their rights and the rights of others.

We want the children to-

Have a voice in what happens in school.
Help to decide chosen charities and alms giving.
Help develop school policies including those of behaviour in lines with aims of our school
Vote democratically for who represents us on our School Council

Rule of Law

We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy. There are rewards for exhibiting good and caring behaviour and consistent demonstration of our school virtues is recognised through such things as Jesuit Virtue and ‘Star of the Week’ award and the pupil special mention. Weekly awards are also given to pupils by awarding merits for service to the school.
Through our school assemblies, PSHE/PRE lessons and themed days, pupils are taught how to earn trust and respect and are supported to develop a strong sense of morality; knowing right from wrong and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult.
Local police officers/PCSO visit the school to talk to the pupils and explain about their role in society.
Pupils are taught about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and learn to respect their rights and the rights of others.

We want the children to-

Understand the importance in having laws, and know that they protect us and influence our behaviour.
Help develop fair rules for our classrooms and school.
Understand how laws are made in Parliament.

Individual Liberty

Our values based discussions and acts of worship begin with discussions about the self; self-respect and self-worth in relation to the individual value so that pupils see that they are important in their own right. Pupils know they have the right to their own thoughts and views. Pupils are strongly encouraged to develop independence in learning and to think for themselves.
Through our school values, mission statement, PRE program and vocation theme days, pupils are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration. They are encouraged to take opportunities to follow their interests in art, music, sport etc. and given opportunities to do this through a range of school clubs.
Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe, including on-line. This is done through computing lessons and as well as through the PSHE/PRE curriculum.

We want the children to-

Have freedom to make choices about their school life and have a voice.
Know that everyone has rights and responsibilities.
Have the freedom to make choices

Mutual Respect

We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our school policies.
Pupils are taught to respect each other, to be cooperative and collaborative, be supportive and to look for similarities while being understanding of differences.
Mutual respect is also promoted through additional PSHE lessons and assemblies. A range of specific assemblies were delivered focusing on helping other pupils to understand specific special needs.

We want the children to-

Know that our behaviours affect our rights and rights of others.
Work together to help one another.
Treat other people with respect.
Make all visitors feel very welcome at St Joseph's.

Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is promoted. Pupils learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship and festivals. The pupils’ work on this subject or whole school learning in assemblies is often displayed in the classrooms or around the school.
This is supplemented by assemblies (Key Stage and whole school), which often mark and celebrate significant religious festivals.

We want the children to-

Know that we are part of a culturally diverse society and have opportunities to experience different cultures.
Promote diversity through knowledge and understanding of different faiths and cultures.
Enjoy visiting and learning about places of worship from different faiths.
Understand how prejudice can lead to hate and how important it is to overcome prejudices.
Have opportunities such as the Olympics and World Cup to learn about different cultures.

St Joseph's Selly Oak

British Values

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