British Values and Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

At The Holy Family Catholic Primary School, we believe that British Values are promoted through our Catholic ethos, our curriculum and the everyday life of our school. They are reflected in the way we treat one another, the decisions we make and the behaviours we model.

Alongside this, we recognise the importance of giving children opportunities to explore and understand each of the British Values and to consider how these values influence their own choices, actions and relationships with others.

Promoting British Values

Throughout the school year, pupils have opportunities to explore British Values through lessons, assemblies, collective worship and wider school experiences.

We encourage children to recognise examples of these values in their everyday lives and to understand how they contribute to a safe, respectful and inclusive community.

British Values are also reflected in displays and activities throughout the school, helping pupils make connections between what they learn and their experiences within the wider community.

Our Commitment

We are committed to serving our community and preparing our pupils to become responsible, respectful and active citizens.

We recognise and celebrate the diverse, multi-cultural and multi-faith nature of modern Britain. Through our curriculum and Catholic ethos, we encourage pupils to respect the dignity of every person, appreciate different perspectives and develop an understanding of the communities and wider society in which they live.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and to ensuring that everyone within our school community is treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity.

Safeguarding is central to everything we do. We help pupils develop the knowledge and confidence they need to keep themselves and others safe, including developing their understanding of the risks associated with extremism and radicalisation.

The Fundamental British Values

The fundamental British Values promoted in schools are:

• Democracy

• The rule of law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect

• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

These values complement our Catholic ethos and our school’s Gospel Values. Together, they help our pupils develop respect for others, understand their rights and responsibilities, make positive choices and contribute to their school and wider community.

Through our curriculum and the wider life of the school, we aim to ensure that pupils leave Holy Family well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Democracy

We help pupils understand that democracy gives people a voice and an opportunity to contribute to decisions that affect them. We use the language of democracy and democratic participation, helping children understand that voting is one important part of a wider democratic process.

We promote democracy through:

• Pupil voice, giving children opportunities to express their views and contribute to school life;

• our School Council, with pupils representing the views and ideas of their classmates;

• democratic decision-making within classes, such as choosing activities, books, class prayers or representatives;

• opportunities to experience and learn about elections, including age-appropriate mock elections;

• questionnaires and surveys that allow pupils to contribute their views about areas such as the curriculum and school life;

• consultation with pupils, parents, carers and staff when reviewing appropriate school policies;

• class discussions and debates, where pupils learn to listen respectfully to different viewpoints; and

• age-appropriate learning about local and national democracy, elections and significant events in the news.

Through these experiences, pupils learn that their voice matters while also understanding the importance of listening to and respecting the views of others.

The Rule of Law

We help children understand why communities need rules and laws and how these can protect people's rights, safety and wellbeing.

We promote an understanding of the rule of law through:

• clear school expectations and our Behaviour Policy;

• helping pupils understand the reasons for rules and the consequences of their choices;

• creating clear boundaries that help everyone feel safe and able to learn;

• teaching children about rights, responsibilities, fairness and justice;

• visits and engagement with members of the wider community, such as the police and other public services, where appropriate;

• age-appropriate learning about the justice system and the role of the courts; and

• Religious Education, where pupils explore Christian teachings, including the Ten Commandments, and consider the relationship between rules, responsibility, conscience and the common good.

As pupils progress through the school, they develop an age-appropriate understanding of how laws are made, why they are important and the responsibilities we share as members of society.

Individual Liberty

We teach pupils that individuals have rights and freedoms and that these exist alongside responsibilities towards other people.

Within a safe and supportive environment, children are encouraged to make choices, express their views and develop increasing independence.

We promote individual liberty through:

• an inclusive Catholic ethos in which every individual is valued;

• encouraging pupils to express their opinions respectfully through discussion and debate;

• teaching pupils that people may hold different beliefs, including religious beliefs or no religious belief;

• teaching children how to make safe and informed choices;

• providing opportunities for pupils to make choices about aspects of their learning;

• encouraging children to take increasing responsibility for their learning and behaviour;

• our commitment to preventing and responding to bullying;

• teaching about healthy relationships, personal development and wellbeing;

• providing clear and safe boundaries within which children can develop independence;

• opportunities to support charities and contribute positively to the wider community; and

• our Religious Education and Catholic life, through which pupils learn about the dignity and uniqueness of every person, created in the image and likeness of God.

Through these experiences, children learn that individual freedom should be exercised with respect for the rights and freedoms of others.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is central to our Catholic ethos and to everyday life at Holy Family.

We teach children to recognise the dignity and worth of every person and to treat others as they themselves would wish to be treated.

We promote mutual respect through:

• our Mission Statement, Gospel Values and Catholic ethos;

• positive relationships between pupils, staff, families and members of the wider community;

• modelling respectful language and behaviour;

• encouraging courtesy, kindness and good manners;

• teaching pupils to listen to and consider viewpoints that may be different from their own;

• celebrating the achievements, talents and contributions of others;

• opportunities for pupils of different ages to support and learn from one another; and

• addressing discriminatory, prejudicial or disrespectful behaviour appropriately.

Our starting point is to recognise what is good in others and to build relationships based upon dignity, compassion and respect.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We teach pupils that people have different faiths, beliefs, cultures and traditions, and that some people do not hold a religious belief. We help children develop the knowledge and understanding needed to treat others with dignity and respect.

We promote this through:

• our inclusive Catholic ethos and Mission Statement;

• welcoming and valuing children and families of different faiths and those of no faith within our school community;

• Religious Education that gives pupils a strong understanding of the Catholic faith while providing opportunities to learn about other religions, beliefs and traditions;

• opportunities to encounter and learn from people with different backgrounds and experiences;

• teaching pupils to challenge stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination;

• learning through stories, discussion, drama and the wider curriculum;

• our Relationships and Health Education (RHE) curriculum;

• our equality, accessibility, behaviour and anti-bullying policies; and

• the example of Jesus, including Gospel teachings about loving our neighbour and showing compassion to others.

The parable of The Good Samaritan, which is central to our school philosophy, reminds our pupils that love of our neighbour extends beyond differences of background, belief or circumstance.

Through these experiences, we encourage pupils to approach others with curiosity, kindness and respect, preparing them to participate positively in the diverse society in which they live.

SMSC & British Values throughout the Curriculum

HF - SMSC and British Values throughout the Curriculum