St Joseph's Catholic Primary School and Nursery

Value

How we promote it

Democracy:

An understanding of how citizens can influence decision making through the democratic process

Links to School's  Mission Statement:

Following in Jesus' footsteps.

• We have a school Council, Form Captains and Yr 6 positions of responsibility including Head Boy, Head Girl and House Captains.  This is used as an opportunity to promote and teach about democracy and the electoral process.
• We encourage volunteerism in and out of school. This includes things like our Eco-Reps and Newbury Building Society Cashiers. Our pupils regularly contribute to charities such as CAFOD.
• We regularly ask our pupils opinions through conferencing and questionnaires. We act on their responses.
• Pupils are keen to show responsibility, for example children have designed and run lunchtime clubs eg board games club.
• In our PSHE curriculum  (Learn4life) the children learn about responsibility for themselves and others, the importance of rules and how groups can function well together.

The Rule of Law

An appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their well being and safety.

Links to the School Mission Statement:

Recognising the Holy Spirit in ourselves and each other.

• We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Diamond rules and Behaviour Policy. We reward consistent demonstration of our Diamond Rules in our weekly Diamond Award Assembly. We also give out 'House points', which are collected and announced weekly.
• Through our Diamond Rules (displayed in each classroom) and Gospel values (displayed in the main corridor), children are taught to respect each other, show good manners and to develop a strong sense of morality; knowing right from wrong ,even when it is difficult.
• The local PCSO regularly visits the school to talk to the children.

Individual Liberty

An understanding that children have the right to meet together and to join groups, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights.

Links to the School's Mission Statement:

Nurturing our God given gifts.

• By following Gospel values, children are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration. They are encouraged to take opportunities to follow their interests for example sport, music etc.
• Our PSHE curriculum (Learn4life) teaches the children how to keep themselves safe and mange risks such as road safety, cyber bulling, internet safety. We hold anti-bullying weeks and sign post the children to the NSPCC.
• Our safeguarding policy and CP1 training highlights to staff and volunteers the signs to look out for. Staff have completed training for domestic abuse, sexual exploitation and prevention against radicalisation.

Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

An understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected by law.

An acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.

Links to the School's Mission Statement:

Recognising the Holy Spirit in ourselves and each other.

• We teach the Catholic faith through our RE curriculum, masses and through whole school and class worship. Our Catholic faith and Gospel values, including tolerance and respect, are at the centre of everything we do. Our RE curriculum has a focus on the value of tolerance  and how we respect other faiths. After each unit, the children have an opportunity to learn about a different faith by looking at similarities as well as differences, which are celebrated by the children.
• Our PSHE curriculum also teaches the children about  understanding other faiths and beliefs.
• Each year we have an International Day and evening for our school community.  We celebrate our many different cultures that we have at St Joseph's. It is a highlight of the year!