British Values
The promotion of ‘British values’ is central to Catholic education because British values have their origin in the Christian values of our nation.
At Blessed Thomas Holford we provide an education which focuses on the formation of the whole person and on our vocation and purpose in life. We place a significant emphasis on the celebration of individuality and difference within our communities and our calling to work for the Common Good, in the service of others.
Our Catholic Ethos makes a tangible difference to the way we work together and with our wider communities. Within this framework it would be impossible to overlook the government’s view of British values expressed as ‘democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.’
Our framework for understanding British values draws on the example of Jesus and his welcome and inclusion of all, which is developed in Catholic Social Teaching.
We provide an education which focuses on the formation of the whole person and on our vocation and purpose in life. We place a significant emphasis on the celebration of individuality and difference within our communities and our calling to work for the Common Good, in the service of others.
Our Catholic Ethos makes a tangible difference to the way we work together and with our wider communities. Within this framework it would be impossible to overlook the government’s view of British values expressed as ‘democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.’
“Prepares pupils positively for life in modern Britain and promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.”
The examples that follow are an indication of some of the many ways we seek to embed British values and should be seen as an indication of our approach rather than an exhaustive list.
Democracy
We promote the importance of democracy through such things as:
- Student Council and Student Leadership.
- Involving pupils in decision-making.
- Taking part in debates.
- Ensuring all students are listened to by adults.
- Ensuring that students are encouraged to use their voice across the curriculum through collaborative work, responding to teacher feedback in books, careful questioning by staff, through the work they produce and through classroom dialogue
- Ensuring all students are given the opportunity to access the curriculum
The Rule Of Law
In college we promote the importance of the rule of law through such things as:
- Having a clear behaviour policy that is explained to all.
- Organising visits from outside speakers, including the police service to reinforce the message of right and wrong and the consequences which arise when laws are broken.
- Liaising closely with outside agencies including Social Services and the Police
- Highlighting the rules of the Church and God in the RE curriculum, for example the Ten Commandments and the Precepts of the Church.
Individual Liberty
Students are actively encouraged to make independent choices knowing that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. As a college, we educate and provide boundaries for students to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms and receive advice about how to exercise these safely.
In college, we promote the importance of individual liberty through such activities as:
- Encouraging students to be independent in their learning.
- Providing students with opportunities for reflection as they take responsibility to discerning their vocation.
- An ethos and culture based on mutual respect.
- Having a mission statement that is inclusive.
- Reinforcing the value of everyone’s opinions in class debates.
- Having an effective anti-bullying policy.
- Emphasising in RE and other lessons that every person is unique and “created in the image and likeness of God”.
- Remembrance Day Activities and visit to Battlefields.
- Supporting charitable works and Fairtrade.
- Prefect System
- Prayer space which students can visit during lunchtimes
Mutual Respect
Respect is at the core of our college ethos and is modelled by students and staff alike. The college promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning environments, where students learn that their behaviour has an impact on others. All members of our community are treated with respect. In line with our commitment to democracy, students are always able to voice their opinions, and we foster an environment where differing views are respected.
In college, we promote the importance of mutual respect through such things as:
- Behaviour policy and Code of Conduct
- Clear guidance on behaviour and on social media
- The publishing and enforcement of a smart dress code for students and staff
- The curriculum which helps students to learn about a wide range of people, cultures and beliefs and so develops students’ ability to make informed decisions, form and be confident in their own identity and understand and respect those of others
- Students are introduced to a range of beliefs and experiences so that they are able to make more informed choices for themselves, both academically and socially.
- Students are taught the knowledge and skills to broaden the choices they are empowered to make about future work, travel and education
- The profusion of extra-curricular activities and clubs, including extended studies.
- Celebration of Black History Month
- PSHE sessions on exploring relationships with oneself and others
In producing our policy on promoting British values the Governing body agreed the following:
- The views of the staff and students are important and were gathered at a staff inset day and school council meetings
- The Governors’ Curriculum Committee considered the statement and approved it before presenting to full governing body
Views of Staff and Students
The staff listed the following values:
- Fairness
- Resilience
- Manners
- Tolerance
- Heritage
- Respect for diversity
The student Council and Sixth Form Ambassadors listed the following:
- Patriotism
- Acceptance of different cultures
- Respect for other faiths, beliefs and ethnic backgrounds
- Democracy is important
- Important things are free – education, health service, museums and galleries.
- Things to change – the sometimes negative influence of wealthy and / or famous people, the negativity of the internet and social media, the safety of young people, more respect for the law and authority, reducing the obsession with images and lifestyles which are contrary to harmony and self-respect
Actions we will take
- Regularly involve our students in discussions about the values and belief that shape our school community
- Take every opportunity to involve representatives of other faiths in our religious education curriculum and assemblies.
- Developing our links with students of other faiths started at our inter-faith week.
- Ensure our curriculum is broad and balanced and prepares students for life in modern Britain
- Plan our spiritual, moral, social and cultural education to promote social cohesion and mutual respect, individual liberty and freedom of speech.
- Provide opportunities for charitable works – pilgrimages to Lourdes, support for charities such as CAFOD and young homeless in Manchester
- Continue to invite MPs and local councillors to talk to students about their work
- Use our student voice to promote debate about values and beliefs
- Uphold our behaviour policy and general school ethos to ensure strong guidance on right and wrong
- Continue Family Dining as a way of promoting a strong social and cultural message
- Promote The Edge across all year groups to encourage and measure important personal qualities
- Develop a whole school well-being curriculum for staff and students to help build resilience and offer support more readily when it is needed.