British Values

Weekly worship celebrating a different British Value, Protected Characteristic and UN Rights of the Child all linked to current news. 

Promoting British Values at St Mary Magdalen's Primary School

The DfE have recently reinforced the 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.”

Democracy: Democracy is embedded and St Mary Magdalen's is supported by our MINI SLT LEADERS, who meet regularly with Mrs Helen V Bird to share the voice of the children. In Addition we have Mini Leaders, (School Council), Reflection Gang (Mental Well-Being Advocates for the children) and Chaplains (Promoting out Christian Vision).

We undertake regular pupil questionnaires and regular ‘pupil voice’ events

The Rule of Law: The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the regular school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws or rules, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Services are regular parts of our school calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty: Within school, 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 children to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through our Online-Safety and PSHE lessons, as well as through our Forest School sessions. Whether it be 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.

Mutual Respect: Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around our Christian Vision of "Reaching our potential together in Christ", by "Living and Living Splendidly". John 10:10, alongisde our Christian values and inclusion. Children have been part of discussions and worship related to what this means and how it is shown. This is reiterated through our classroom and school rules, as well as our behaviour policy.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs: This is achieved through enhancing children’s understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. This is done specifically through PSHE and RE, as well as across the whole curriculum where relevant.