At St. Augustine of Canterbury, we follow and teach British Values as set out by The Department of Education “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.” The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014.

As a Catholic school we seek to live out the values of Jesus Christ. We promote these values by our words and deeds, and Catholic doctrine and practice therefore permeates every aspect of our school.

We are confident that our continued focus on the Gospel Values will give our children the necessary awareness of what it means to be a good citizen in Britain today.

At St Augustine of Canterbury these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

We have an active school council which meets regularly with the Deputy Headteacher to discuss issues raised within their classes. Each class elects two school council representatives; candidates are invited to write speeches to share with their class and each class member votes to elect their representative. The elections of the School Council members are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.

Each year the children decide upon their class rules and the rights and values associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of these rules. Our children are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other; respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws and rules are consistently reinforced in the classroom, as well as through school assemblies. Children are taught to understand the need for laws: that they are there for individual protection, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Our children follow a positive behaviour policy and clearly understand the rewards and sanctions that are used. Assemblies and discussions in class focus on recognising right from wrong and visits from the Police, E-Safety practitioners and other local community representatives help to reinforce these messages.

Individual Liberty

Children are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment. Developing their self-esteem and self-confidence is very important. Our children are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect. All children are keen to support charities, whether local, national or global. They are taught consideration for others through the Religious Education curriculum and PSHE lessons in particular E-safety teaching enables them to make choices in a safe manner. Through our numerous extra-curricular clubs; the children are given freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

The school’s ethos and behaviour policy are based on Gospel value and mutual respect is given high priority in school. Assemblies constantly promote respect for others and the importance of good manners. We present awards to celebrate excellent conduct, behaviour and achievement during assembly every Friday morning; attended also by parents. Children work collaboratively and value others’ opinions through a range of class and whole school curriculum, enrichment and debate.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

At St Augustine of Canterbury we help our children to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life through the curriculum, especially during RE lessons. Through our Creative Curriculum we teach about democracy, civic responsibility, rules and laws, the monarchy, equality, values and virtues, environmental awareness and understanding of other faiths. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths including the local Synagogue and respect the views of the communities within these settings.