British Values

This is a Catholic school which seeks to live out the values of Jesus Christ. We promote these values by our words and deeds; Catholic doctrine and practice therefore permeate every aspect of the school’s activity. We provide a Catholic curriculum, which is broad and balanced, recognising that every pupil is unique and is created in the image of God (Gen 1:27). This belief is fundamental to all of the work we do; all of the relationships we forge and all of the interactions that take place here. Our Mission and Values and the four British Values have this belief at their heart.

Our curriculum is designed to enable every pupil to discern their vocation and to be well-equipped to follow it as active citizens in service to the world. Catholic Religious Education is the “core of the core curriculum” (Pope St John Paul II) 4 and the foundation of the entire educational process. We also provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities and strong pastoral support. We incorporate democratic principles, value the rule of law, support individual liberty and foster a community in which different faiths and beliefs are respected.

Overview
At St Joseph’s, we provide opportunities for pupils to explore their own culture and have a clear understanding and appreciation of a wide range of cultural influences that have shaped modern Britain. We encourage all children to be tolerant and respectful of those of different faiths and beliefs. We provide the children with an understanding of the main festivals and key dates of significance to British Culture e.g. Remembrance Day, the King's Birthday and major political events such as elections.

Democracy
1. Children are involved in democratic processes e.g. school council.

2. Children make statements for election to the School Council and gather the opinions of their classmates when bringing about change through the School Council, making sure that every child has a voice.

3. Children hold mock elections as part of the wider curriculum and for other aspects of school life

4. Children learn about the Monarchy and the Monarchy in previous years as well as political leaders from the past in History lessons

5. Children are involved in debates and open discussions

6. Children have roles and responsibilities within school – classroom monitors, food servers,

7. Children raise funds for charities throughout the year

8. Children work with local Magistrates to educate the children about upholding British law and the Prosecution Service. They participate in the ‘Magistrates in the Community’ competition run by Chorley Council.

9. Assemblies are given on major political events taking place in Great Britain.

10. They take part in various school events and participate as a team, taking the views and strengths of the team as a means of success rather than the views of the individual.

Rule of Law
1. Class rules, playground rules, road safety rules, online safety rules are covered in the curriculum

2. Clear Behaviour Policy which is explained to all

3. Expectations about behaviour are discussed regularly and rewards given for the right choices

4. The rules of the church are taught in RE

5. Children are taught about how rules and behaviours keep us safe

6 Assemblies cover national and international events.

7. Visits from outside agencies such as The Police and The Fire Service and other people who help us

8. Children are taught about outside agencies who protect us by enforcing laws e.g. ChildLine, Magistrates

Individual Liberty
1. Continuous provision, child led learning and pupil choice are encouraged whenever possible so that pupils can be independent in their learning.

2. Children have choices for lunch menus, reading books, snacks and after school clubs

3. Children audition for concerts, choir and performances throughout the year but can opt out if they so wish

4. Through Collective Worship and R.E children are encouraged to develop self-respect and confidence by gaining an understanding of the rights which we all have to be listened to and treated with respect through the teachings of the gospels.

5. Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment

6. Our curriculum encourages pupils to express themselves and to be free to be themselves so that they may take responsibility to discern their own vocation

7. Sports activities promote an attitude of equality and fairness.

8. Our PSHE curriculum embodies values of mutual respect.

9. Acknowledgement is made of all awards and achievements of the pupils gained from outside school activities

Mutual Respect for and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs and Those who are Without Faith

1. Our Mission statement is inclusive of all children from all backgrounds and faiths

2. Our Mission Statement and Values mean we constantly promote respect for one another as good manners

3. RE is taught across the school in addition to Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism. This learning includes visits to other places of worship and outside visitors to the school to learn about other faiths

4. Through RE children are taught to understand and respect different faiths and beliefs and to come to know that each person is made in the image of God whatever their colour or religious leanings or lack of religious beliefs

5. PSHE lessons on current events which may encourage the children to ask questions about the world and the people in it knowing that they will be listened to and given an unbiased and fair view.

6. Pupils celebrate different festivals throughout the school year

7. Pupils share stories exploring morals, cultures and beliefs, including stories Jesus told to encourage tolerance such as The Good Samaritan and The Woman at the Well.

8. Everyone’s opinion is valued in class discussion and debate and we ensure, through various cooperative learning strategies, maximum engagement of all pupils

9. We have an effective Anti-Bullying Policy

10. We raise money for charities throughout the year