British Values

At St Mary’s Junior School, we are committed to actively promoting the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. This commitment aligns with our duty under the Department for Education (DfE) guidance and the 2025 Ofsted Inspection Framework, which emphasises the importance of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development.

Our Approach to British Values

The Government initially set out these values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and has reaffirmed them through subsequent guidance. At St Mary’s, these values are embedded across our curriculum and school culture, ensuring children understand their importance in modern British society.

Democracy

Democracy is central to our school ethos. We have a vibrant Pupil Parliament, elected annually through a democratic voting process in classrooms.
Children take on leadership roles such as Ministerial Committee Leads, representing their peers in decision-making about school resources, charity events, and community engagement. The principles of democracy are taught explicitly through subjects like English, History, and PSHCE, and children regularly share their views via questionnaires and assemblies.

The Rule of Law

As a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, we emphasise the importance of laws in maintaining fairness, safety, and equity. Class Codes of Conduct are established annually, reinforcing expectations of behaviour and understanding of rights and responsibilities.
The rule of law is taught through assemblies and lessons on topics such as anti-bullying, e-safety, and community safety, often involving local community members like Church representatives and PCSOs.

Individual Liberty

We encourage children to make informed and safe choices within a supportive environment.
Our PSHCE and RSE curriculum empowers children to understand and exercise their personal freedoms responsibly. Children are given opportunities to make choices in their learning and participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, fostering confidence and independence.

Mutual Respect

Our school ethos, underpinned by the vision Care. Believe. Succeed., promotes respect, compassion, and resilience.
Christian values guide our teaching and are reflected in assemblies and daily interactions.
Mutual respect is actively promoted through roles such as Lunchtime Play Leaders, who foster positive relationships with peers.

Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

We celebrate the diversity of our community and uphold the right of all to practice their faith or beliefs within a framework of respect and tolerance.
Our RE curriculum explores a variety of world views, faiths and beliefs, promoting understanding and acceptance. Through PSHCE, English, History, Music, Geography, and special events like Languages and Art Weeks, children gain a broad appreciation of cultural diversity.
Our school also maintains international links, such as with a partner school in France, enhancing global awareness through exchanges and pen-pal activities.

Supporting Children’s Personal Development

Our curriculum is designed to develop children’s spiritual, moral, social, and cultural understanding, preparing them for life in modern Britain.
We provide high-quality PSHCE education that supports positive relationships and social responsibility. Children are regularly informed about current events, including political, environmental, scientific, and cultural developments, fostering informed and engaged citizenship.