St Mary Magdalen Catholic

St Mary Magdalen's
Catholic Junior School

 

British Values

At St Mary Magdalen’s Catholic Junior School Catholic doctrine and practice filters through every aspect of our school life; promoting British Values is central to Catholic Education and reflected on Catholic Social Teachings, as such we teach our pupils British Values through the parable of Jesus as well as the wider curriculum, with the purpose of enabling them to become responsible and active citizens in service to the world who make strong contributions to the common good of society.

At our School we uphold the British Values by:

DEMOCRACY:

Democracy is the belief in freedom and equality between all people.

Understanding - ‘I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.’ 1 Corinthians 1:10

  • Democracy is well represented in the school through the different Pupil Voice groups, some of which are selected through a democratic election.
  • Pupils are taught about fairness, restorative justice, equality through the use of Pupil Voice, expressing their views with discussion, considered arguments and debate during lessons, and assemblies and also by supporting the School Leadership, the School Council, the Chaplaincy Team, the Mini-Vinnies and the Eco Warriors.
  • We have high expectations of all pupils and staff.
  • Pupils are taught our school values through the characters of: Rosie Respect, Danny Determination, Tommy Teamwork, Lola Love and Ella Excellence.
  • Our school values are there to inspire.
  • It is our responsibility to uphold our school values through our work, rest and play.
  • We all understand that there are consequences when we make poor choices and do not follow our values.

RULE OF LAW:

The Rule of Law is the belief that rules and laws should be fair and help everyone to live safely and happily. It also involves everyone working hard to follow the rules and laws.

Truth – ‘Happy are those who hunger and thirst for what is right: They shall be satisfied.’ Matthew 5:6

  • The importance of Laws, and following rules is reinforced daily through our School Values, our Mission Statement, the PSHE curriculum - SCARF, and our RE curriculum.
  • We value and celebrate each other, and we rejoice in our rich cultural and religious diversity.
  • We promote mutual respect and use ROSIE RESPECT as an inspiration.
  • We show respect by being accepting and caring, sharing and listening to others.
  • We are taught to understand and reflect on how our actions and words affect others
  • We celebrate the Wednesday Word, we enjoy debate, and discussion, including moral issues and dilemmas, right and wrong, forgiveness and reconciliation, we also encourage the use of Playground Prefects.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY:

Individuality Liberty is the belief that all people have the right to live and express themselves as they choose. It involves the human rights of all being respected and protected.

Humility – ‘Happy the gentle: They shall have the earth for their heritage.’ Matthew 5:5

Forgiveness – ‘Happy the merciful: They shall have mercy shown to them.’ Matthew 5:7

  • At Our school we are actively encouraged to make our own sensible choices, and aim to follow ELLA EXCELLENCE as our school offers a safe and supportive environment.
  • At our school pupils understand their rights and responsibilities, the importance of making good sensible choices, and are always encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, celebrate their talents and successes through the curriculum and beyond.
  • In order to make good choices, we are encouraged to reflect on the consequences of our actions.
  • We are encouraged to know, understand and exercise our rights and personal freedoms (Pupil Voice, and the right to play) and we are given opportunities to resolve conflicts effectively.
  • We are also supported to understand our responsibilities and are taught to keep ourselves and others safe through our School Values, our Mission Statement, the PSHE curriculum - SCARF, and the Computing curriculum.
  • Central to our behaviour and attitudes is our emphasis on positive relationships, and the Gospel Values of forgiveness and reconciliation, this is evident in the relaxed, calm, polite and courteous interactions with peers as well as staff.

RESPECT AND TOLERANCE:

Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths or beliefs helps us to show empathy for and understanding of one another, especially those who are different from us. It helps to create happy and healthy communities. It important to be accepting and respecting of all and no one person or group of people are more important, deserving or better than another. 

Tolerance - ‘Happy the peacemakers: they shall be called sons of God.’ Matthew 5:9

  • We aim to enhance pupil’s understanding of different faiths and beliefs by participating in a range of celebrations throughout the year.
  • We are determined as DANNY DETERMINATION is, to participate, support, and celebrate our diverse community.
  • Each year we celebrate ‘International Evening’ and rejoice in the richness and diversity of the world around us
  • We actively promote courtesy and good manners towards all as inspired by LOLA LOVE
  • We value and celebrate each other, and we rejoice in our rich cultural and religious diversity and promote mutual respect as inspired by ROSIE RESPECT
  • We show respect through caring, sharing and listening to others
  • We are taught to understand how our actions and words affect others
  • We look after our earth by undertaking different sustainability projects in response to Pope Francis encyclical on the environment – ‘Laudato Si’, and how we should all care for our common home.
  • Through our Behaviour Policy, our School Values, and our Mission Statement, our pupils are taught to be respectful and accepting of others. Through our broad and balanced curriculum, our pupils are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and the ability to challenge prejudicial and discriminatory behaviour and have a good understanding of fairness and equality.
  • Our RE curriculum, promotes our learning about other cultures and faiths and we visit different places of worship such as the Synagogue, and the Mosque.