At St Bede’s, British Values are intertwined with our Gospel Values and our Trust Virtues of Compassion & Justice, Honesty & Self-Belief, Respect & Responsibility and Confidence & Resilience. We believe that we are all children of God, all equal, all unique and all loved and valued. Difference is embraced.

We recognise that, whilst important, it is not enough to focus purely on the academic, but also understand the importance of helping pupils to develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally. As a Catholic school, our Christian beliefs underpin all that we do. We are able to offer a set of principles to help pupils think about how they should interact with others. These principles help them to form the foundation of the choices they make and the lives they live.

We actively challenge opinions and behaviours in school that are contrary to our Gospel and British Values. Our aim is to prepare our pupils to be the best they can be, to care, respect and value others. We help them on their journey towards becoming good members of society that have a positive and productive impact on the world. Our aim is to ensure they become better prepared for life in modern Britain whilst at the same time respecting themselves and others.

We develop an understanding and appreciation of the following British values:

Democracy

Simple Definition:

The word democracy itself means rule by the people. A democracy is a system where people can change their rulers in a peaceful manner and the Government is given the right to rule because the people say it may.

What we do:

  • Student Council elections
  • Make use of local and general elections to explain the system
  • Hold our own elections in school
  • Pupil Voice – we listen to our children and make changes.
  • Debating in school – arguing and defending our points of view
  • Children are taught that they have the freedom to make choices
  • Links are made with the Royal Family and the role they play in our democracy
  • Pupils learn about the impact of other monarchs across time through our History curriculum.

Rule of Law

Simple Definition:

A situation in which the laws of a country are obeyed by everyone. The courts uphold the rule of law. (Law of the land)

What we do:

  • Behaviour Policy supports the teaching of the importance of following school rules.
  • We teach our pupils that actions have consequences.
  • Develop an understanding that living under the Rule of Law protects individual citizens, which is essential for their well-being and safety.
  • We teach pupils to take responsibility for their actions.
  • We teach our pupils that we are all governed by law in this country regardless of our opinion, race or culture.
  • Children develop an understanding of the consequences of breaking British law and our school rules.
  • Pupils are taught to understand right from wrong.
  • Pupils are taught that our behaviour affects their rights and the rights of others.
  • Many older children take on positions of responsibility around school to support the younger members of our school family and they lead by example.
  • Staff code of conduct.

Individual Liberty

Simple Definition:

The right to believe, act and express oneself freely.

What we do:

  • We promote self-knowledge and self-esteem.
  • We help pupils to develop confidence in their own abilities.
  • We help pupils to know more and remember more.
  • Encourage pupils to discuss their feelings.
  • Encourage pupils to reflect on differences.
  • Teach pupils that we are all entitled to have their own opinion without becoming judgemental.
  • We teach our pupils how to make sensible choices that don’t impact negatively on others.
  • Pupil voice – we listen to our pupils.
  • Children have the freedom to choose an extra-curricular activity.

Mutual Respect

Simple Definition:

To value someone highly for what they say or do, or to treat people politely and thoughtfully, to show we value them. – In other words, treat others how we would like to be treated ourselves.

What we do:

  • Embrace diversity.
  • We develop tolerant behaviours and lead by example.
  • We make sure that we share and respect each other’s opinions.
  • Challenge stereotypes.
  • Build in themed weeks to reinforce respect, e.g. Black History Week.
  • Respect and value different family units in school.
  • Our school ethos promotes inclusivity.
  • Encourage a tolerance of different views, faiths and cultures. All are respected and valued.
  • Engage with other communities and faiths.
  • Our Mini-Vinnies contribute to the life of the school and turn ’Concern into Action’ for those less fortunate.

Tolerance

(Tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs or no faith or belief)

Simple Definition:

A willingness to accept or respect what is different in others, especially their beliefs and customs.

What we do:

  • We celebrate different faiths through the RE curriculum.
  • Members of different race, culture and faith are welcome in our school.
  • We learn about different faiths and cultures from around the world through geography, history, books etc.
  • We develop a tolerance for each other.
  • We teach our pupils how to work collaboratively and cooperatively.
  • We explain difference and how our uniqueness makes us special.
  • Children learn about key figures in history who have contributed to positive changes to society.
  • Children learn about key figures in history who have contributed to positive changes to
  • Society.
  • Many older children take on positions of responsibility around school to enable them to be
  • considerate of the needs of others.

Our Catholic Ethos permeates throughout our school making it a warm, inviting and safe place to work and learn. Our relationships are built on mutual tolerance and respect for each other. When our pupils leave St Bede’s they are well prepared for their next phase in learning and are better prepared to become valued members of society and for life in modern Britain.