Sacred Heart CVA’s Commitment to British Core Values

The DfE have 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.” The Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values were reiterated in 2014.

British values underpin what it is to be a British citizen in a modern and diverse Britain, and promote moral and cultural understanding that celebrates the diversity of the UK

At Sacred Heart School, these British core values are taught within RE, RSE, PSHE and Collective Worship/ individual class Virtues. We also teach British values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum. These values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

This is an important value at Sacred Heart. Pupils have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which involves children from Year 2 – Year 6. They meet regularly to discuss issues raised in class, on the playground and local or even global issues. The council members for each class are voted in by their class. Children have the opportunity to put forward their views about the school frequently. We also have a Anti Bully Council who are active in supporting children in all Key Stage playgrounds at lunch times. They play and integral role in coordinating with the school council on collaborating ideas that best suit the development our school.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Our whole school behaviour system is aligned to our Rules and Expectations.

Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, 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 Service etc. help reinforce this message.

To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we have devised a reward system which is consistently followed throughout the school. As a school, we are committed to praising children’s efforts. We endeavour to praise the children informally, individually, during group work, in front of the whole class and the whole school community (through assemblies, newsletters and Star Pupil Awards on Arbor). Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas but for behaviour and overall conduct throughout the school and this is reflected in the Catholic Ethos Champion certificate.

Rewards are given in the form of dojo points, stickers, certificates, scratch cards, prizes and books. Children’s achievements are also recognised during whole school assemblies.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils 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 safely, through provision of a safe environment and planned curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety teaching, RSE and PSHE lessons as well as our Religious Education curriculum. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, e.g. signing up for extra-curricular clubs, signing up to School Council, Anti Bullying Council, ECO team or members of the Chaplaincy Team.

Mutual Respect

Children learn that their individual behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. Collective Worship is based on ‘Christian Values’ which are central to how we expect everyone to go about their life at our school.

Acceptance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity in our local community. Assemblies include stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce this. Through carefully planned curriculum we use opportunities such to study and learn about life and culture in other countries and in our locality. This is enhanced through world events such as the Olympics, World Cup. Major religious festivals are often referred to during the academic year and celebrated through non uniform days and cultural days celebrated throughout the year.

Sacred Heart values the diverse ethnic backgrounds of all pupils and families and undertakes a variety of events and lessons to celebrate this. We have found this approach to be enriching for all parties as it teaches acceptance and respect for the differences in our community and the wider world. Our Religious Education curriculum supports other faith topics and we hold other faith days in school. Underpinning all of this are a range of curriculum topics which have strong links to our core values.

At Sacred Heart, we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.