At St Martin’s C of E School we provide opportunities to develop skills and attitudes that prepares pupils for their future as young citizens.
We promote fundamental British values and an inherent understanding of what it means to be British. The government set out their definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these were reinforced in 2014.
We promote the British Values through our spiritual, moral, social and cultural education which is embedded throughout our curriculum at St Martin’s school. These are modelled by staff and regularly discussed with children during school assemblies, Religious Education and PSHE.
The British Values have been set out as:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Democracy
Democracy is common within the school; the promotion of democratic processes, fostering the concept and application of freedom of speech and group action to address needs and concerns is through our School Council, Learning Detectives, Junior Worship Leaders and through pupil questionnaires. Also the concept of holding others to account, including those in positions of authority and influence is important. Our school behaviour policy involves holding people to account for their decisions and rewarding positive actions.
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 school day, as well as when dealing with incidents and through school assemblies. 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. Classroom and playground rules, bible stories supporting values, rewards and consequences and safety workshops with external visitors all reinforce this message.
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. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these, for example through our E-Safety, PSHE lessons, Thrive and TIS sessions, bullying and safety workshops. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, sitting places, child-initiated activities or participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs; pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Tolerance of Different Faiths & Beliefs
St Martin’s school is situated in the culturally diverse town of Liskeard, therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity, understanding and empathy. Collective Worship assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue and we plan the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures within RE and across our curriculum. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforces this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
