British Values

St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary Academy use strategies within the National curriculum and beyond to ensure the development of the five British Values for pupils. The following examples show some of the many ways our Academy strive to consistently embed the British values.

Democracy

The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced  at St Bernadettes Academy , with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the academy community. Pupil voice is valued at our academy. We have an academy council, our members are elected by classmates after a formal election process has taken place.  During an academy council meeting members debate, vote and communicate results to their classes.

The principle of democracy is also explored in the History and Religious Education curriculum as well as in class time and assemblies.

The rule of law

The importance of laws, whether they are those that oversee the class, the school, or the country, is consistently reinforced at St Bernadettes Academy. Pupils are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by the Mission statement. All pupils are supported to understand the reason behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from public services such as the Police, Fire Service, NSPCC and Lifeguards reinforce this message.

A consistent behaviour Policy and use of the gold star/coloured card system throughout the academy encourage the children to be responsible for their actions and help them realise the consequences when laws are broken.

Overall the children know that they are responsible for their own actions guided by the laws of the land and Gods own laws and that this involves accepting everyone’s differences as well as the things they have in common.

Individual liberty

At St Bernadette’s Primary Academy, pupils are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make informed decisions, through a safe environment. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through esafety. Our Academy has an anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive range of policies that set out expectations and individual responsibilities in relation to Behaviour, Healthy Relationships and Informed Choices.

Mutual Respect

Respect is integral aspect of St Bernadette’s Academy and is central to our Mission Statement and Gospel Values. Pupils learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the academy community treat each other with respect and this is demonstrated through our teaching and learning environments. Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for pupils to express their views in a safe environment. A home/school agreement is read and signed by parents and pupils to promote a mutual respect between our academy and home.

Our older pupils are trained as ‘Buddies’, who have an important role to play. If a child has a problem or want to talk to someone, the buddies will listen and give advice and support. The buddies will always suggest adult involvement where necessary.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

This is achieved though equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society. Pupils are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the academy and we celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. Our Religious Education curriculum provides a balanced and broad education on a range of religions and cultures and through termly focusses on other Faiths. We celebrate the same faith across the academy which provides a whole academy celebration of the faith from nursery through to year 6.

British Values Policy