British Values
'What we are called to respect in each person is first of all his life, his physical integrity, his dignity and the rights deriving from that dignity, his reputation, his property, his ethnic and cultural identity, his ideas and his political choices. We are therefore called to think speak and write respectfully of the other, not only in his presence, but always and everywhere, avoiding unfair criticism or defamation.' (Pope Francis)
We teach the importance of British Values by going much deeper into the meaning of what it means to live a good life, within a framework of Catholic Christian Values. This provides the context and meaning for understanding why British Values are important. 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.
Catholic doctrine and practice permeate every aspect of our school's activity. We provide a Catholic curriculum, which is broad and balanced, recognising that every pupil is unique and is created in the image of God (Gen 1:27). Our curriculum is designed to enable every pupil to discern their vocation and to be well-equipped to follow it as active citizens in service to the world.
In our school, Catholic Religious Education is the "core of the core curriculum" (Pope St John Paul II) and the
foundation of the education we provide for pupils. We provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities and strong pastoral support. We incorporate democratic principles, value the rule of law, support individual liberty and foster a community in which different faiths and beliefs are respected.
St. Anselm's has a clear Equality Policy which aims to prevent discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status or similar. St. Anselm's also seeks to lay the foundations of our pupils' future lives, beyond the formal curriculum, preparing them for the diverse and dynamic society in which they will live and work. An understanding of British Values is a critical part of this education.
The definition of British Values was set out by the government in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and added to Ofsted inspection guidance in July 2014: "To create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs." Actively promoting the values means challenging opinions or behaviours in school that are contrary to these values, which are:
Many of these values are embedded within our Catholic Ethos and Mission, but in addition, St. Anselm's uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure pupils' understanding of the wider implications of British Values.
British Values Statement linked to Gospel Values, Virtues, CST and UN Convention Right of the Child