St Cuthbert’s is a Catholic school which seeks to live out the values of Jesus Christ. We promote these values by our words and deeds, and Catholic doctrine and practice therefore permeates every aspect of the school’s activity. We provide a Catholic curriculum, which is broad and balanced, recognising that every pupil is unique and is created in the image of God (Gen 1:27). Our curriculum is designed to enable every pupil to discern their vocation and to be well-equipped to follow it as active citizens in service to the world. Catholic Religious Education is the “core of the core curriculum” (Pope St John Paul II) 4 and the foundation of the entire educational process. We also provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities and strong pastoral support. We incorporate democratic principles, value the rule of law, support individual liberty and foster a community in which different faiths and beliefs are respected.”
The topic of British Values is now part of the curriculum and schools have to equip children for life in modern Britain. At St Cuthbert’s our core fundamental values do indeed enable our children to live in a diverse society.
These 5 elements are woven through out our curriculum.
At St Cuthbert’s we believe that everyone has the right to respect, the right to learn and the right to be safe. These are the basis to all of our school rules and are displayed throughout.
As a Catholic school, the Gospel Values are our core values and these are promoted and displayed throughout our school.
British Values is also threaded through the area of our curriculum know as SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development). At St Cuthbert’s we are proud of the high quality SMSC we provide.
“Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted very effectively. All staff promote equality of opportunity and all pupils have equal access to the rich extra-curricular activities.”
OFSTED, December 2012
Democracy
St Cuthbert’s is a UNICEF Rights Respecting school. Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. Each year the children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised around school. Children have questionnaires with which they are able to put forward their views about the school.
The Rule of Law
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
As a Rights Respecting School, mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
St Cuthbert’s is situated in an area which is culturally diverse, therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE, PSHE and RRSA teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
At St Cuthbert’s we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.
Specific School Examples:
There are numerous examples throughout our curriculum where we would share and display these moral values:
- Every area in the school displays our Mission Statement, Golden Rights and Gospel Values.
- Links are made with our PSHE curriculum, with a specific focus like ‘Anti Bullying’ week.
- Our RE scheme of work, assemblies and liturgies allow the children to be reflective about their own beliefs and their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values
- In our Creative Curriculum Britain’s place historically and geographically is taught.
- Democracy is very much in action with our elected members on our school council and pastoral peers. Before meetings they canvas the views of their peers and have real influence on school decision making and fund raising. Classes even run fundraising stalls at the school fairs.
- There are pupil surveys which are carried out through the school council. They also have suggestion boxes which they monitor.
- We are a Rights Respecting School Level 1, which permeates throughout the school.
- Mutual respect and tolerance is developed during class circle times. Children are encouraged to discuss issues and problems, understand the impact of behaviours on others and give solutions to problems that benefit the whole school community.
- We raise awareness of global communities through Fair Trade, Charities, Mini-Vinnies and the geography curriculum.