At Saint Charles Primary we celebrate and promote the values of Jesus Christ in all that we say and do.  Our Catholic values permeate all areas of our curriculum and underpins our approach in embedding ‘British Values’ at the core of our curriculum. Here at Saint Charles we value the diversity of backgrounds in our school family and wider community and recognise the importance of providing our pupils with the opportunity to flourish spiritually, morally, culturally as well as academically, within a framework of Catholic Christian values, to ensure each pupil leaves with the strongest foundation of values to enable them to positively contribute towards our British society. 

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The Department for Education defines British Values as follows:

• Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process

• Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England

• Support for equality of opportunity for all

• Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law

• Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs

At St Charles, British Values are intertwined with our core catholic values. We encourage our children to be caring, independent, open-minded and respectful citizens. We actively promote these values in the following ways:

Democracy

• All children are encouraged to express their views and make a meaningful contribution to our school on matters that are important to them.  Children have the opportunity to have their voices heard via our school council and pupil questionnaires.

• The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days, such as School Council elections.

The Rule of Law

• All pupils are given opportunities to contribute towards shared and agreed class rules, these are integral to our learning and sense of community.

• We have clear, fair behaviour expectations that are actively promoted and rewarded. All pupils are informed of these school codes of conducts, as outlined in our school behaviour policy.

• Ongoing educational visits from our Local Police force help to reinforce the importance of law.

• Pupils are encouraged to reflect upon their actions and make right choices.

• All pupils are given the opportunity to say ‘sorry’ and understand importance of forgiveness.

• Our behaviour and anti-bullying policy demonstrates our unacceptance of violent and aggressive behaviour for all members of our school family.

Individual Liberty

• We give all our children the opportunity to make their own choices in a safe, supportive and environment regardless of their backgrounds.

• Pupils’ self-confidence, independence and self-belief are nurtured in all areas of the curriculum.

• Pupils are encouraged to exercise their freedom and are given guidance through PSHE, E-Safety and religious lessons on how to do this safely.

• A strong anti-bullying culture exists at Saint Charles.

• Pupils are given responsibilities across the school and are supported to become positive role models, e.g. buddy system, dinnertime monitors.

Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

• Respect is a core value promoted in everything we do. Pupils understand what respect is and the need to show respect to everyone, regardless of faith and background.

• Pupils are given opportunities to acquire knowledge, respect and understanding of other faiths.

• Links with local faith communities and visits are celebrated in school.

• Discriminatory behaviour is always challenged.

• We offer a culturally rich curriculum that explores a rage of faiths, cultures and traditions.

• Pupils are encouraged to learn about and respect those from other faiths, cultural and racial backgrounds; this is supported across the curriculum, particularly in assemblies, PSHE and religious lessons.