British Values
The Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. The DfE has recently reinforced the need ‘to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values.’ These are:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
At The Oratory RC Primary and Nursery School, we are committed to serving our community and local area. In so doing, we reinforce British values regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democratic values are an explicit part of the ethos at The Oratory RC Primary and Nursery School. All adults listen to the views of the pupils and value their opinions. Pupils have further opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil Voice interviews led by subject leaders across the school. The elections of School Council, Sports Council, Eco Team and Worship Team members are the result of pupil votes and all of these groups canvas the opinions of their peers.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws and rules is consistently reinforced across The Oratory RC Primary School, both in the classroom and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught to understand the purpose of laws — to protect individuals, promote fairness, and support the wellbeing of the community. They also explore the responsibilities that come with living under the law and the consequences when rules are broken.
Our whole-school behaviour policy is clear, consistent, and well understood by all stakeholders. It is underpinned by our three core rules: Ready, Respectful, and Safe, which are embedded in the daily life of the school and help shape a culture of high expectations and mutual care.
Assemblies and class discussions support pupils in recognising right from wrong and making good choices. Visits from the Police and Fire Service further enrich their understanding of justice, responsibility and public service.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment. Developing their self-esteem and self-confidence is very important. Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect.
All pupils are keen to support charities, whether local, national or global. They are taught consideration for others and to provide Options for the Poor and Vulnerable through our Religious Education curriculum; Catholic Life and Mission and PSHE lessons in particular.
E-safety teaching enables them to make choices in a safe manner.
All children in Year 4 receive the opportunity for lessons in a musical instrument. As a school we fund a whole years’ worth of tuition for all pupils.
Mutual Respect
Our school’s ethos and behaviour policy are based on Gospel values, with the important commandment being, ‘Love one another as I have loved you’. Assemblies constantly promote respect for others and the importance of good manners. All pupils are taught the importance of self-respect, honest and open communication with others and fair play. Pupils work collaboratively and value others’ opinions.
Celebration Certificates are awarded fortnightly in whole school assembly for children who are living the Gospel Values and school rules: Being Ready, Respectful and Safe. Parents are invited to share this celebration.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
As a Catholic worshipping community, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school. The RE curriculum specifically teaches pupils about other world religions and visits are made to places of worship in each year band.
Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Members of different faiths or religions are always welcome in our school community. Over the academic year, multi-faith weeks are completed, where we focus on learning the traditions and values of different faiths and beliefs.
We encourage all pupils to be individuals but also to take pride in wearing their school uniform and being part of the The Oratory RC Primary and Nursery School. Through a united uniform, pupils grow to respect each other.