British Values

The DfE have 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."

Holy Cross Catholic Primary Academy is committed to serving its community and surrounding areas. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever changing nature of the United Kingdom and we follow the Practical Advice from the Catholic Education Service and policies outlined by our governing body regarding equal opportunities. This guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key 'British Values' are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the 'Prevent Strategy' - values of:

Democracy
The Rule of Law
Individual Liberty
Mutual Respect
Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Democracy

Here at Holy Cross, children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues and suggestions. The members of the school council are voted in by class members.

Each year the children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these.

Our school behaviour policy also involves rewards, the choice of which pupils are involved with.

We ensure all pupils are listened to by adults.

We invite MP's and other speakers into school.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies.

The children 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. Visits from authorities such as the police and the fire service are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

We highlight the rules of the Church and God in the RE curriculum, for example the 10 commandments and the precepts of the Church.

Individual Liberty

Within school, the children 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 young children to make choices safely, through a provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; for example through E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice or challenge, how they present their learning outcomes or participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, all pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around core values such as ‘Respect’, and children have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means on how it is shown. These ideas are reiterated through the school and classroom rules, as well as our behaviour policy. Additional support from our Learning Mentor is available to help develop self-esteem and to practise strategies to help improve their respect of others.

We emphasise in RE and PSCHE lessons that every person is unique and "created in the image of God."

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs