The Department for Education states that there is a 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, 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 were reiterated by the Prime Minister in 2014. Our school supports the identification of a clear set of values that promote a culture where every member of the human family is valued and respected within an inclusive, harmonious, loving society. 

The social, moral, spiritual, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils is a priority. This can be seen across our website, within our vision, our curriculum, and our commitment to an exceptional extra-curricular offer.

At St. Joseph's, British values are incorporated across our curriculum and reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

Democracy is embedded in our school. Our pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and regular questionnaires. They are often asked to vote for activities or individuals to represent them.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Our school has rules which are deeply embedded in our work every day and encompass our Christian values. Each class discusses and displays the school rules which are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every pupil is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. Our 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. Details about school rewards and sanctions, choice and consequences are detailed in our behaviour policy.

Individual liberty:

Within our school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment, an empowering education and a curriculum based upon clear Catholic values. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely. Whether it is through the choice of challenge, our pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual respect:

Respect is one of our core values and key to our school rules and it is deeply embedded in all that we do at the school. Our pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small. Our children also value the importance of respecting God’s world. The core value of respect at St. Joseph's, underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom.

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith:

Our core value of respect, ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. St. Joseph's enhances pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies following 'The Come and See' curriculum; PSHE work, visits to places of worship, welcoming visitors of other faiths, respecting and the different faiths and beliefs of our own members of staff and enjoying in-depth of study during themed weeks. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.