British Values
Mission Statement
Our mission statement, ‘Open hearts, open minds. Learning together with God.’ underpins all the work that we do.
‘I give you a new commandment. Love one another, as I have loved you.’
John 13:34
Rationale
At Carleton St Hilda’s we believe that every child is a gift from God, and as such brings with them unique talents and characteristics which are to be nurtured and celebrated. Teaching and learning across all areas is set within a Christian context and our core set of Christian Values underpins our whole school curriculum as well as the daily life of the school.
At Carleton St Hilda’s, we endeavour to provide the most effective and efficient education that we can in a warm, respectful and caring atmosphere. It is our aim to develop in all our children the desire to learn and the ability to apply their knowledge. At the same time, we want to help each child to attain the social awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making and relationship skills necessary for a full and happy life.
The five core British Values
Democracy: Promoting the importance of democracy by giving children a voice in their learning, such as through school councils or class votes. Understanding the importance of asking questions and listening to others. Learning to share opinions respectfully and reflect on different viewpoints.
The Rule of Law: Through our consistent boundaries and approaches to behaviour. Helping children understand that laws protect everyone and that there are consequences for breaking them, often explored through collective worship, classroom rules and visits from authorities like the police and fire brigade. Understanding rights and responsibilities.
Individual Liberty: Encouraging children to make their own choices and understand their rights and responsibilities, while supporting them in making good decisions. Children learn to value personal choice and freedom. They learn that they can make a difference through their words and actions. Children also learn to understand that choices come with consequences. Understanding about safe risk taking through PSHE lessons, Forest Schools, Anti-bullying programmes and E-safety lessons.
Mutual Respect: This is at the heart of everything we do at St Hilda’s and rooted in our Christian vision – ‘I give you a new commandment. Love one another, as I have loved you.’
We foster an environment where pupils respect each other, and teach them to treat others with respect, celebrating differences and challenging discrimination. The adults act as role models and all members of our community flourish and grow together. The programme of collective worship encourages respectful attitudes and thoughtful responses.
Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs: Our Christian values underpin school life across the whole school and we show mutual respect to those with different beliefs or no belief. Respect for different religions and world views is promoted through teaching in subjects like Religious Education and school trips to places of worship. Visitors to school from other faiths share their experiences, enabling children to develop their understanding.
We use our curriculum, including PSHE (as well as other opportunities such as worship) to promote the British Value of inclusivity and respect for others (regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation).