The British values, first set out by the government in the “Prevent strategy” in 2011, form a core part of the SMSC values promoted at St Mary's School. We have revised our strategy with regard to the delivery of these fundamental British values to enable all our pupils to prepare for a life in modern Britain.  Some of the ways in which this strategy is delivered are outlined below:

Democracy

At St Mary's we value pupil voice.  All pupils are listened to and their ideas and opinions are part of the decision making process. Pupil voice is encouraged and is strong at St Mary's Primary School in whatever preferred language.  We have elected pupils belonging to the School council and to the Eco team. In 2020, pupils have contributed to the decision making progress regarding the adoption of our new school rules, school prayer and judging competitions . At parents’ meetings, parents are also consulted about changes to the school eg. school uniform, workshop wishes and social events to bring the community together.

The Rule of the Law

Children understand there are rules in school and in society.  As a 'Gold' Rights Respecting school, children are well aware of their rights and of the rights of others . All pupils understand when and why rewards and sanctions are given. All pupils know our three school rules be ready, be responsible and be respectful). Opportunities to debate and defend points of views form part of the curriculum and feature in Literacy and History lessons. 

Individual Liberty

At St Mary's School, we are dedicated to bringing opportunity and ambition to meet the individual needs and interests of all our pupils where possible. This can be in the form of an intervention when pupils need some extra help with their learning or giving the pupils the opportunity to work with members of our inclusion team when a pupil’s emotional well being needs some extra attention. Our inclusion team offers a listening ear service, mental wellbeing support and ELSA for pupils, parents and staff and follow through with any actions needed.

Through our vision and mantra, we encourage all our children to become independent learners; developing pupils’ metacognitive voice, enabling them to recognise learning as an asset, providing alternative teaching and learning opportunities and building strong independent and team work relationships. We also strongly believe that it is important to build children’s resilience, self confidence and self- esteem. Pupils have the opportunity to join a wide range of after school clubs. They are taught how to respect and care for others through our PSHE and RE curriculum. Pupils are also aware of e-safety which helps them to make safe choices and report concerns.

Mutual Respect

Our mantra takes everyone on a journey and is a representation of the essence and vision of our school. We include all, celebrating diversity, religion and culture and minimising any barriers to learning from their start points, whether child or adult. As a Rights respecting school, all pupils are aware of their rights and rights of others both in and out of school. Pupils often work in a collaborative way with other children both in and out of the classroom. 

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Pupils learn about different faiths in RE, class assemblies and in collective worship. Significant feast days and celebrations in different religions are recognised at school. Pupils are given the opportunity to talk about their religion and beliefs. All pupils are listened to and their views heard regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race.

Extremism

We understand that we have a great responsibility to safeguard pupils from extreme views and a duty to prevent pupils from being drawn into terrorism. By promoting British values, we will work with families to ensure our children become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance regardless of background.

We recognise that suspicious behaviour may include changes in how pupils behave or dress; pupils becoming withdrawn and isolated or pupils glorifying violence or empathising with extreme causes. If any of these suspicions arise, then the relevant bodies will be notified and help will be sought to alleviate extremism and combat further radicalisation.