British Values

In 2014 the Department for Education added its definition of British Values to Ofsted inspection guidance: ‘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.’ Thus ensuring that young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain, and become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat each other with respect.

Through teaching at St Mary’s and embedding of our school values and British Values, our children are encouraged to celebrate their differences and similarities, and the strengths and successes found in each other, as well as in the wider community. We encourage democracy within our school, and use it in the form of voting for house captains.

The Magna Carta (Grand Charter) of 1215 was signed by King John and set out the values of our country. These values where celebrated in 2015 and are followed at St Mary’s.

Our British Values

• We respect and abide by the laws of Britain.
• We understand the special position of The King, The House of Commons and The House of Lords has in governing our country.
• We respect and tolerate those of different faiths beliefs and backgrounds.
• We give equal worth and opportunities to boys and girls and men and women.
• We have the freedom to make our own personal choices.
• We have the freedom to express our views in many different ways.
• When we are adults, we will have the freedom to buy and sell our own property and other goods.
• We understand the importance of typically British institutions such as the Royal Family, the Houses of Parliament, the church and the BBC.
• We know the importance of British history and culture, and we are aware of how past events have affected our lives today.
• We love a wide range of sports and we appreciate fair play.
• We care for our country, the land and its people.