British Values

Here at St Columba's, we pride ourselves on our inclusive vision that ‘Every Child is Precious to God’. Our school life is led by our Catholic faith and five virtues;

Our virtues and mission statement clearly illustrate our commitment to instilling the Fundamental British values in every child within our care, ensuring their readiness for a life in modern day Britain.  The DFE have reinforced the importance of needing to instill the fundamental British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. At St. Columba’s, these values are lived and taught every day. This is evident through such things as our work on relationships, our behaviour system, our Religious teaching and learning as well as our SMSC curriculum. Further to this, our fantastic Nurture team support with the development of individual needs through small group and 1:1 sessions where we explore our British Values in conjunction with our religious virtues. Please see below for more information on how we exclusively support each British Value and some examples of the fantastic work that has been undertaken within school.

Democracy
All children are given the opportunity to have a say (often through voting) on a wide range of decisions in their own classes and on a school wide basis. For example, we have recently voted for our school councillors as well as our reading ambassadors. Our school councillors got the opportunity to vote for the best applicants in our Pupil Take Over Day. Our school councillors also have the chance to work with the leadership team to make school wide decisions on topics such as our behaviour policy and the fundraising ideas that take place in school. Children are also taught about local and national democracy through events such as our school councillor elections, in which every child was given the opportunity to vote like in a government election.

"We have the chance to vote for different exciting things in school. For example, our School Council Elections. Everyone gets a fair say in what they want to stand for" - Jack (Year 5).

Rule of Law
At the beginning of the year our pupils are reminded our Catholic Virtues and how these should weave into our everyday lives. Children are praised on a weekly basis for displaying our chosen virtues in our celebration assembly. Children who follow our class rules and behaviour are praised each week with Golden Time. This simple system prepares them to be able to follow rules in their future education, workplace and wider society. Through our behaviour system children are taught the importance of following rules and the consequences if they do not. This message is reinforced through visits and visitors, for example our PCSO visits.

“We follow the teaching of Christ and how he would want us to treat others. We follow the rules to make sure everyone is safe and happy. I think our rules help us to have respect for others and have fun" - Marc (Year 5).                    

Individual Liberty
At St Columba’s we really do value each and every one of our children as individuals. From entry into our 2 year old provision, our children are encouraged to make their own choices and are able to make choices and take risks because they feel safe and supported. Examples of the choices which our children are our rainbow challenges in EYFS where children are supported to access a range of cross curricular tasks. Children across KS1 and KS2 are given the chance to express their opinions and ideas widely particularly within our SMSC lessons. They record in a multitude of ways that fit their individual needs such as QR codes, writing, drawing, and drama but to name a few.

“Here at St Columba’s, everyone gets the chance to express their thoughts and ideas. Especially when we are using oracy as part of our lessons" - Riley (Year 6).

Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
Our school vision – Every Child is Precious to God’ demonstrates clearly at St. Columba’s that all children are loved, cherished and valued within our care. Our curriculum clearly communicates the fact that our world is full of people of different religions, races, beliefs, appearances, talents and abilities. Respect for all is continually reiterated through teaching, assemblies and day to day interactions and is accepted as a fundamental fact by all of our children and staff.

A strong focus is placed on relationships and how we work with others through learning in classrooms, assemblies, workshops performances and our nurture space.

St Columba’s is a Part of the Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust and we are very proud of our belief in the teaching of Jesus Christ that we should ‘Love one another, just as I have loved you’. The respect outlined above is shown to all people of all faiths and beliefs. Children are taught about the major world religions through ‘Other Faith Days’. Our whole school SMSC Curriculum focuses on whole school events as well as teaching and learning opportunities that incorporate our ever-changing society in order to prepare our children for the diverse and exciting world in which they live.

“In our work and play, we ensure that everyone is included and no one is excluded. We make sure that even people who have a different belief are heard and valued” - Emily (Year 6).