At St Mary and St Joseph's RC Primary School we provide an education for the whole person where our children are nurtured in character, wisdom and values, so that they can aspire not to have more but to be more and so make a positive difference in their community and in God's world.

We centre our school life around our Catholic Virtues.

              Resilience        Perseverance        Honesty        Integrity        Courage        Humility    Compassion

              Kindness          Generosity           Trustworthiness           Justice          Forgiveness

Every member of our school community holds these virtues with utmost importance. These virtues should be displayed in our work with others, at playtimes, in the classroom and within our community. Our virtues influence our approach to everything  we do and our attitude towards others. They are steeped in gospel teaching and reflect the kind of person Jesus was and the person he wants us to be.

                               Statement on British Values at St Mary and St Joseph’s RC Primary School

The UK Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. The DfE has recently reinforced the need 'to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values.' These are:

Democracy, The rule of law, Individual liberty, Mutual respect, Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

At SMSJ we are committed to serving our community and local area. In so doing we reinforce British values regularly through the curriculum and assemblies.

Democracy:

Democratic values are an explicit part of the ethos at SMSJ.

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 Parliament, Eco council, Digital leaders and Sports council.

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. Assemblies and discussions in class focus on recognising right from wrong. Visits from the Police, Fire Service and other people who help us help to reinforce these messages. 

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 given regular opportunities to support charities – through their house charities. They are taught consideration for others through our Religious Education curriculum and PSHE lessons in particular. Online safety teaching and discussions about personal safety and workshops during our Health week which focuses on a Healthy mind, body and spirit are enabling them to make choices in a safe manner. 

Mutual Respect:

Our school’s ethos and behaviour policy are based on the Gospel values of Love, Peace, Truth and Justice. Assemblies regularly 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, class work and a whole school emphasis on Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural education (SMSC)helps 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. Members of different faiths or religions will be invited into school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class.