Ethos and Values

Ethos and Values

Anti Radicalisation Statement

St Mary’s the Mount Catholic Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. At St Mary’s the Mount Catholic Primary School all staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

In formulating this statement, the Governors have taken account of the guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) who has called for all public bodies to make explicit their preventative measures to minimise the threat of extremism in their setting.

The Governing Body has a zero tolerance approach to extremist behaviour for all community members. We rely on our strong values to steer our work and ensure the pastoral care of our pupils protects them from exposure to negative influences.

Pupils are encouraged to adopt and live out Gospel Values. These complement the key “British Values” of tolerance, respect, understanding, compassion and harmonious living.

British Values Statement

At St. Mary’s the Mount Catholic Primary School we are committed to serving our community and local area. In doing so we reinforce British values, which are taught in line with Gospel values.

Democracy:

Democratic values are an explicit part of the ethos at St. Mary’s. All adults listen to the views of the pupils and value their opinions. Pupils have further opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil Voice interviews etc.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws and rules are consistently reinforced in the classroom, as well as through school assemblies. Pupils 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. Pupils follow a positive behaviour policy and clearly understand the rewards and sanctions that are used.

Individual Liberty:

Pupils 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. Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect. All pupils are keen to support charities, whether local, national or global. They are taught consideration for others through our Religious Education curriculum and PSHE lessons in particular as well as through the Catholic Life of our school.

Mutual Respect:

Our school’s ethos and behaviour policy are based on Gospel values, with the important commandment being, ‘Love one another as I have loved you’. Assemblies constantly promote respect for others and the importance of good manners. All pupils are taught the importance of self-respect, honest and open communication with others and fair play. Pupils work collaboratively and value others’ opinions.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

As a Catholic worshipping community, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school. Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Visits to different places of worship and teaching of other faiths underpin this teaching.