Aims and Values
Mission Statement
We welcome everyone into our community in order to Live, Love and Learn together in the light and example of the life of Christ.
School Aims
As a Catholic School, the love of Jesus Christ is our foundation for all that we do. We hope that it will guide, not only the religious aspects of the curriculum day, but will also be a firm foundation for the whole life of the school.
At the centre of everything we do are our Gospel Virtues; these underpin all that we seek to undertake and achieve, and shape everything we do at St. Margaret Mary's Primary School.
In our school everyone is expected to behave well, to show courtesy and respect for others and indeed to welcome everyone into our community to live love and learn.
British Values
The 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 St. Margaret Mary's School we are committed to serving our community and local area. In so doing, we reinforce British values regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democratic values are an explicit part of the ethos at St. Margaret Mary's Catholic Primary School. 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 led by Phase leaders. The elections of School Council and Liturgy Leaders are the result of pupil votes and all of these groups canvas the opinions of their peers.
Democracy is promoted in EYFS through 'choice' and circle time activities. Whilst, in KS1 Democracy is promoted through the topics studied: 'Birmingham' and 'London'. In KS2 Democracy is promoted through the pupils expressing their views, the activities undertaking and the topics studied. In Year 5, pupils are introduced to the birth of democracy during their 'Ancient Greece' topic; whilst in Year 6 pupils study the history of British democracy in their 'Monarchy and Government' topic. Year 6 also undertake visits to the Houses of Parliament and the Council House.
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. 'Golden Points' are used in each class; it rewards pupils for following the rules and setting a good example. Behaviour books and ladders are used for the promotion of these behaviours as well.
Assemblies and discussions in class focus on recognising right from wrong and visits from the Police, Fire Service and other members of the community help to reinforce these messages. Online Safety discussions reinforce the importance of following the rules, even when online.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are encouraged to be independent, to make their own decisions and choices, within a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect.
All pupils help in the support of certain charities, whether local, national or global. Their ideas help to contribute to further charity events and days. They are taught consideration for others through our Religious Education curriculum and SMVSC lessons.
Pupils at St. Margaret Mary's are taught how rights and responsibilities govern how we act in and out of school and whilst using the internet. We reflect upon the choice s we make and the consequences this may mean for others.
Mutual Respect
Our school's ethos and behaviour policy are based on Gospel Virtues. Assemblies constantly promote respect for others and the importance of good manners. All pupils are taught the importance of self-respect, to work collaboratively and value others' opinions.
Gospel Virtues Certificates are awarded weekly in Key Stage Assemblies for children who are promoting and demonstrating Gospel Values.
Pupils in school also regularly take part in SMVSC days. These days help to focus on religious festivals from across the world and across our local community. Children acquire an understanding of and respect for other cultures.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Pupils in St. Margaret Mary's School take place in activities, days and weeks that promote the diversity of the society we live in. This is achieved through our Religious Education curriculum, the spiritual life of the school and our designated SMVSC days.
The RE curriculum specifically teaches pupils about other world religions and visits are made to places of worship. Our SMVSC days, such as: Chinese New Year, Hannuak, Eid and Diwali allow our school to focus upon the values that underpin these faiths and beliefs.