Gospel Values and British Values
At St Louis School, we are fully committed to actively promoting British values in line with Department for Education (DfE) recommendations and the requirements of the Equalities Act 2010 to keep children safe and prepare them for life in modern Britain. We welcome the DfE’s focus on strengthening the ‘spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) standard’ by actively promoting the ‘fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs, and encourage students to respect other people, with particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010’.
British Values
In 2011 the government set out its definition of British Values which are:
• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
British values are promoted throughout the school alongside our Catholic Values.
We support and teach pupils about values and responsibilities that shape their lives through our mission statement...
With God by our side, we celebrate our achievements.
With love and support, we encourage each other.
With faith, we make the world a better place.
This is our school, God is here.
In doing so we reinforce British Values regularly in the following ways:
Democracy
Democratic values are an intrinsic part of St. Louis' ethos. Adults listen to children’s views and value their opinions. Pupils have the opportunity for their voices to be heard through the School Council and Pupil Voice which contributes to all aspects of school life. The school regularly demonstrates how pupils should contribute and cooperate as well as considering the views of others.
Rule of Law
The importance of rules and laws are consistently reinforced. Children 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. PSHE lessons and school assemblies support this work. All staff have high expectations of pupils and rewards and sanctions are well understood, through the school’s behaviour policy. Visits from the Police and Fire Service support and re-enforce messages of right and wrong.
Individual Liberty
The school helps pupils develop their self-knowledge, confidence and self esteem through our Catholic ethos – particularly in our expectations of how we treat each other. Children are encouraged to take responsibilities for their behaviour and their learning. Consideration for others is promoted through Religious Education, SMSC education and assemblies. E-Safety lessons help children make choices in a safe manner.
Mutual Respect
Values of respect and tolerance are at the heart of our mission and are evident in all areas of school life. All staff demonstrate respect and model behaviour and attitudes on which our positive relationships are built. Class discussions, assemblies and collective worship provide opportunities to show respect and reverence to others. The widespread collaborative work undertaken in lessons help value others’ opinions.
Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
Through our curriculum and spiritual life of the school pupils are made aware of our culturally diverse society. The school community is rich in its diversity and other religions are studied within Religious Education. As part of our core values regardless of ability, faith, heritage or race, pupils often take the initiative in fundraising for international charities. The school has annual fundraising for CAFOD and raise money for our linked school in Tanzania.
