The government set out its definition of ‘British values’ in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ (2011), which was designed to prevent the extremism and religious radicalization of young people. British values are considered by the present government to be democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. The promotion of ‘British values’ is central to Catholic education because British values have their origin in the Christian values of our nation.
Here are the ways in which we at St Cuthbert's promote fundamental British values;
Democracy
- Our pupils vote for both their school councillors and spiritual councillors.
- Each year, as part of the Berwick tradition, year 4 pupils vote for who they would like to see as the Salmon Queen attendants.
- Our school council always take part in the annual Pupil Voice Conference.
- All pupils are listened to by adults in our school and taken seriuosly.
The Rule of Law
- Each class creates their own class charter / set of rules which they then sign up to.
- Our behaviour policy is referred to at all times and by all members of the school community.
- Pupils are asked to sign home/school agreement at the start of the school year.
- Pupils are asked to sign e-safety code of conduct.
- Each week all pupils are encouraged to 'live out' our 'Statements to live by' as a way to develop human wholeness.
Individual Liberty
- Children are encouraged to be independent in their learning by all.
- Reflection time is built in to lesson time as a way to encourage pupils to think about what they have learnt and/or how they could improve their own work. Circle time based on the weekly 'statement to live by' enable pupils to reflect on their own behaviour and develop their personal confidence.
Mutual Respect
- Our mission statement is one that is inclusive and is reinforced in every aspect of school life.
- Respect towards and between everyone in our school community is paramount and reinforced through our behaviour and anti-bullying policies.
- Through the teaching of RE and PSHE pupils know and undersatnd that every human is unique and created in the 'image of God'
- Here at St Cuthbert's we maintain strong relationships with local schools as well as active links with Ponteland Middle School and St Paul's RC First School in Alnwick. We understand the importance of nurturing a culture of repect between educational establishments.
- All of our school community is aware of the importance of charitable works as a means to supporting social justice and we regularly support; CAFOD, Comic Relief, Samaritans purse, Banardos among others.
- Our 'Mini Vinnie' group meet twice a month to plan ways in which they can help those in our own community.
Tolerance
- The teaching of RE gives pupils a deep understanding of the Catholic faith as well as an awareness of the faith and traditions of other religious communities as a basis for understanding and respecting them.
- Stories from the bible are often used to show how Jesus encouraged tolerance and our pupils are often asked to reflect on these stories with reference to their own lives.