British Values at St James'

A key aspect of our role as a primary school is to help our children to become active citizens, well-prepared for life in modern Britain.

At St James’, we are committed to serving the community of Coldwaltham and its surrounding areas, but with an awareness that we are part of the United Kingdom and the wider world. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom and the vital role we have in ensuring that children and adults from all cultures, religions and beliefs can live together as a harmonious community free from bullying and discrimination.

As a Church School, we accept admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none. We protect the rights of all through our policies on equality and accessibility.

We promote and support the agreed, shared values of the United Kingdom, which are: -

· Democracy: Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil questionnaires. We actively encourage them to voice their opinions in all learning situations. Children have the opportunities to vote on their school council representatives.

· The Rule of Law: The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, RNLI, and Network Rail etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

· Individual Liberty: Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make choices safely, through our provision of a secure environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record information, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices and to understand the consequences of their choices.

· Mutual Respect: Much of our school ethos and behaviour policy has developed around our Christian Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Respect is emphasised through our classroom and learning rules, as well as through our behaviour policy.

· Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs: This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE, RHE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions, both pupils and parents, are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.