United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) articles supported by our promotion of British Values:

Promoting British Values at St Mary’s RC Primary School

The DfE have recently reinforced the 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 and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

At St Mary’s these values are reinforced regularly through our mission “ Love one another as I have loved you”

Our Section 48 Inspection (June 2015)  found:

“All pupils and staff feel safe and free to express their opinions and know that these will be valued. This was seen during discussions with the children who expressed their opinions about the variety of opportunities provided for them and how they felt empowered to express their opinions. Importance and recognition is given equally to all. The quality of outreach support provided by the school is absolutely outstanding as senior leaders live out the gospel message to care for others in their service to the community. Pupils are confident …and are actively encouraged and supported in being pro-active citizens who participate in the decision-making processes at a local and national level."

Democracy 

• We encourage all of our children to get involved with the running of their school and provide them with lots of opportunities to show how they can influence decision making giving them a strong voice ion the school through a wide range of council including: Friendship council, Eco Council, Chaplaincy team, learning Council, Sports Council, Squabble Squad.
• We also use pupil voice every half term across all ages and phases in the school to ensure that they all get the opportunity to provide feedback and commentary on what works well in the school .
• Members of our councils go through a democratic process whereby they apply for the position and have to think about the contribution they will make to our school community.
• This is extended to our parents who are also encouraged to participate in decision making within our school through parent forum meetings, parent surveys, parent workshops etc
• Our staff are excellent role models who develop strong, respectful relationships with one another, the children and parents. We encourage an open door policy to discuss any concerns and work together to resolve them.
• We provide opportunities for our children to see how democracy works within school and the wider community through invitations to our local MP and by following local and national elections. There is also an opportunity for our older children to debate issues raised at local and national levels and to hold their own mock elections.

Rule of Law

• We discuss with our children the need for rules and boundaries. Laws provide us with protection, they help us to take responsibility for our actions and realise that there are consequences.
• We ensure our core values are at the heart of what we teach. Respecting one another and the world around us.
• Our expectations for behaviour are clear and  consistent across school. We work closely with the children so they understand their rights and their responsibilities for the choices that they make.
• We promote respect for those who enforce the law and encourage a strong link with our local PCSO.

Individual Liberty

• Through our Mission statement and our Learning Powers we encourage our children to take responsibility for their own actions but to also expect to be treated with respect from others.
• We do not tolerate bullying of any kind and this is dealt with quickly.
• We provide a safe and supportive environment where a positive growth mindset is eanbled and our children are encouraged to be independent in their thinking and learning.
• We provide guidance on how to make safe choices through eg: E-safety week, whole school worship, road safety, cycling proficiency, swimming tuition, our SMSC Curriculum and our Religious Education

Mutual Respect

• Respect is a key part of our expectations for behaviour and is known and understood by all our children.Children are encouraged to demonstrate respect for everyone they meet and to respect the environment in which we live.
• Children learn that how we treat one another has a direct impact on the way we in turn are treated.
• If children are not showing respect for one another we encourage others to speak out and help others to see why their actions are inappropriate.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

• As a Catholic community, children are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our Religious Education Curriculum and the spiritual life of our school.
• We actively celebrate diversity and equality. We have strong links with local schools both primary and secondary as well as links with the Missions: Chimbote in Peru and Fr Pat Clarke in Sao Paulo. We participate in many events as well as creating our own including our African and Irish theme weeks, other Faiths week and following an International curriculum which focuses on looking at our part in the World.
• We actively promote respect for individual differences.
• Our class and whole school worships promote the diversity of society and the rights of each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race.
• Through our expectations for behaviour  we challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour of any kind.
• Our other faith work where each year group learns about another faith and their beliefs allows the children to compare and contrast cultures and beliefs and promotes tolerance and respect for others.