The Department for Education states that there is a 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”.
According to Ofsted, British values are:
- democracy;
- the rule of law;
- individual liberty;
- mutual respect;
- tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.
These British Values closely match the Gospel Values shared by all CAST schools. These are :
- Humility
- Compassion
- Kindness
- Justice
- Forgiveness
- Integrity
- Peace
- Courage
The Rule of Law
The St Joseph's Way helps us to live our lives as Christians by following rules which helps show visitors our excellent levels of behaviour.
We ensure pupils know the importance of Laws, whether these govern the class, the school or the country. We do this through the RE and PSHE curriculum as well as through Assemblies and Liturgies.
Pupils are taught the values and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and that there are consequences if laws are broken. Visits from the police and fire service help reinforce this message to key year groups.
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 pupils to make choices safety, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.