British Values
British values are considered to be democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. The promotion of British values is central to Catholic education because British values themselves have their origin in the Christian values of our nation.
‘We are proud that Catholic schools promote values that are both Catholic and British including respect for the individual, democracy, individual liberty, respect, tolerance and inclusiveness. Our schools promote cohesion by serving more ethnically diverse and poorer communities. Catholic schools provide high standards of education which are popular with parents from all social, economic amd faith backgrounds.’ (Paul Barber 2014)
At St Martin’s, we recognise not only the importance of helping children to flourish academically but also spiritually, morally, socially and culturally so they are fully prepared for life in British society and for their role as citizens, able to make the strongest possible contribution to the Common Good. We teach the importance of British values by going much deeper into the meaning of what it means to live a good life within a framework of Catholic Christian Values. This provides the context and meaning for understanding why British values are important. Our framework for understanding British values is the example of Jesus and His welcome and inclusion of all; this is developed in Catholic Social Teaching.
At St Martin’s, we provide an education that focuses on the formation of the whole person and on our vocation and purpose in life. We place a significant emphasis on celebration of individuality and difference within our community and our calling to work for the Common Good in the service of others. Our Catholic ethos – which incorporates Christian and British values – makes a difference to the way in which we work together and with the wider community.
Some examples of the implementation of British Values from across the curriculum:
