British Values
As of 2014, the Department for Education published guidance stating that all schools have a duty to actively promote fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with differetn faiths and beliefs. Although this is something which is growing in its importance for schools, this is not new for St. Peter's Catholic Primary School.
Democracy: Giving Every Child a Voice
Aligned with the principle that everyone has a right to shape their community, democracy is central to life at St. Peter's. The school prioritises strong communication skills and ensures that all pupils are empowered to share their perspectives.
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School Council & Eco Council Feedback: Pupils actively participate in a School Council and Eco Council, take part in student questionnaires, and engage in "Pupil Voice" sessions to discuss choices that impact their learning and school experience.
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An Active Role: By listening and responding to what children have to say, the school teaches them the value of a democratic system and the importance of active participation.
The Rule of Law: Understanding Actions and Consequences
St. Peter’s helps pupils understand that rules and laws exist to keep everyone safe, secure, and treated fairly.
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Collaborative Expectations: At the beginning of each school year, pupils collaborate with teachers to discuss and establish positive learning behaviors for their specific classrooms and during lunchtimes.
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Fair Play and Safety: The importance of rules is regularly reinforced during sports, group work, and outdoor play to ensure safe, effective teamwork.
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Personal Accountability: Staff provide a structured, predictable environment where pupils learn to manage their behavior, take responsibility for their actions, and clearly understand the relationship between choices and consequences.
Individual Liberty: Freedom Within a Supportive Framework
Children at St. Peter's are encouraged to independent thinkers who make informed, safe personal choices.
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A Safe Environment to Choose: Whether choosing a classroom challenge or deciding which extra-curricular clubs to join, pupils are given the freedom to navigate their own paths within a highly supportive environment.
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Rights and Responsibilities: Through Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education, children learn to exercise their rights and personal freedoms safely while reflecting on how their choices impact the people around them.
Mutual Respect: Caring for One Another
Respect is the cornerstone of the school's behavior framework and everyday interactions.
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Peer Support: Older pupils look out for younger ones through structured initiatives like Reception Buddies and Playground Buddies, ensuring that no child feels lonely or left out.
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Community Engagement: Pupils learn to interact positively with a wide variety of people, including visiting sports coaches, theatre groups, and students from neighboring schools.
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Local Integration: St. Peter's places immense value on being an active participant in the local Romford community, encouraging families and staff to build tight-knit cohesion.
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Growing up in a culturally diverse society, pupils at St. Peter's learn that every individual is valued equally, regardless of their heritage, gender, faith, race, or ability.
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Multicultural Exploration: Through the Religious Education (RE) curriculum and dedicated cultural topics, children learn about world religions, celebrate global festivals, and experience different cultures first-hand through immersive events like "One World Week."
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Value-Driven Assemblies: School assemblies explore universal human values such as compassion, courage, trust, thankfulness, and kindness, while highlighting world events and varied faith traditions.
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Embracing Culture & Team Spirit: Pupils experience broader British culture through local field trips, community events, and competitive sports that foster fair play and a healthy team spirit.
