The promotion of ‘British Values’ is central to Catholic education because British Values have their origin in the Christian values of our nation. British values are considered by the present government to be DEMOCRACY, RULE OF LAW, INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY, MUTUAL RESPET and TOLERANCE OF THOSE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS.
At St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School we recognise, not only the importance of helping pupils to develop academically but also spiritually, morally, socially and culturally. Our aim is that they are fully prepared for life in British society, to take their role as good citizens, able to make the best possible contribution to the Common Good. Within a framework of Catholic Christian Values, we teach the importance of British Values by going much deeper into the meaning of what it is to live a good life. This provides the context and meaning for understandings why British Values are important.
Our framework for understanding British Values draws on the example of Jesus and his welcome and inclusion of all, which is developed in Catholic School teaching. At St. Mary’s we provide an education which focuses on the formation of the whole person, and our vocation and purpose in life. We place a significant emphasis on the celebration of individuality and difference within our communities and our calling to work for the Common Good, in the service of other.
Our Catholic Ethos makes a tangible difference to the way we work together and with our wider communities. Within this framework it would be impossible to overlook the government’s view of British values expressed as ‘Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs’.
This is a Catholic school which seeks to live out the values of Jesus Christ. We promote these values by our words and deeds, and Catholic doctrine and practice therefore permeates every aspect of the school’s activity. Our school which seeks to live out the values of Jesus Christ.
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).
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 11) 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.
You can find out more about our approach to British values by downloading the documents below:
British Values Mission Statement
