Since September 2014, the Department for Education has introduced a statutory duty for schools to promote British Values more actively and ensure that British Values are taught across the school. Their guidance states:
"Ensure that the school promotes tolerance of and respect for people of all faiths (or those with no faith), cultures and lifestyles and support and help through their words, actions and influence within the school and more widely in the community, to prepare children and young people positively for life in modern Britain."
St Joseph’s is committed to ensuring that our children are provided with a broad and balanced curriculum; one which prepares them for their future adult life and becoming a valued citizen of our society. We recognise the multi-faith and ever-changing society of the United Kingdom and wish to prepare our children for the future.
The five key British Values are:
- Democracy;
- The Rule of Law;
- Individual Liberty;
- Mutual Respect;
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.
These values are taught across the curriculum and through many wider aspects of school life, such as School Council, the House System and supporting charities.
We aim to encourage children to:
- Reflect on their own and others beliefs gaining an appreciation for other’s viewpoints;
- Gain a sense of enjoyment in learning about themselves, others and the world around them;
- Recognise the difference between right and wrong, consider the consequences of their behaviour, hence gaining an understanding of civil and criminal law in the United Kingdom;
- Gain a knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system past to present, including how citizens can influence decision making through a democratic process (Voting and Election);
- Understand, accept, reflect and celebrate diversity, showing a tolerance towards others in local, national and global communities.
We hope that the children will leave St Joseph’s with the skills that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.