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.

At St. Patrick's we  promote British Values in the following ways:

Democracy

• Having a school council 
• Highlighting the development of democratic ideas in history lessons (e.g. Y6 WW2)
• Allowing pupils to vote (whole school reading book, movie night fundraisers)
• Ensuring all pupils are listened to by adults 
• Inviting MPs and other speakers to the school (Y5 visit from Andrew Stephenson Transport Minister)
• Visiting local councils (MP for Stafford)
• Holding mock elections

The Rule of Law

• Classes creating “class rules” (and following our school behaviour and reward policy) 
• Having a clear behaviour policy that is explained to all 
• Organising visits from the police service to reinforce the message of right and wrong (careers and aspirations week)
• Highlighting the rules of the Church and God in the RE curriculum, for example the 10 commandments and the Precepts of the Church
• Teaching about the development of the Rule of Law in English Law, a legal system created uniquely in a Catholic England, inspired by Christian values and becoming a major influence across the world

Individual Liberty

• Encourage students to be independent in their learning (vehicles)
• Provide students with opportunities for reflection as they take responsibility to discerning their vocation

Mutual respect

• Having a mission statement that is inclusive (Learn, Love, Respect. Working together to be the best We can be)
• Constantly promoting respect for others as good manners (celebrated at Friday assembly)
• Reinforcing the value of everyone’s opinions in class debates

• Having an effective anti-bullying policy
• Emphasising in RE, RHE and PSHE lessons that every person is unique and “created in the image of God” (Celebrating Diversity - Art)
• Having active educational links with other schools (MAC schools and through competitive sports)
• Supporting charitable works (Mary's Meals, CAFOD Ukraine appeal, Katherine House Hospice)

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

• Highlight how Religious Education provides pupils with a deep understanding of their own faith as well as awareness of the faith and traditions of other religious communities as a basis for understanding and respecting them (RE and through learning about other faiths and cultures)
• Show how Jesus encouraged tolerance in stories such as The Good Samaritan and The Women at the Well