British Values and Christian Values at Prestbury St Mary's Federation
At Prestbury St Mary's Federation we believe that British values and our Christian values are interlinked and that these values underpin all that we do at school.
Christian Values and British values can be summed up in the bible quote “Love one another as I have loved you” John 15 V 12. Living out Christian and British values means that showing love and respect for one another is a core part of everything we do.
The whole school community chose our Christian Values of Respect, Responsibility and Readiness. These Values are interwoven with British Values and can be linked to biblical quotes and passages. We promote British Values through our Christian Values in the following ways:
British Value - Democracy
Galatians 3:28 “You are all one in Jesus Christ.”
The Christian values of Respect and Responsibility are focussed in Democracy.
At the beginning of every academic year, each class creates rules for conduct and learning, which permit discussion and agreement between all stakeholders.
Children also have an opportunity to join the school council and be an active participant in decisions made in the school, as well as developing life skills such as public speaking, teamwork and negotiation. Children represent others’ views, as well as their own in meetings and use “majority rulings”.
Children are encouraged to stand up for their beliefs, express their opinions clearly but at the same time respecting the right to disagree. We find opportunities to do this in PSHCE, Class Services, in English and Topic lessons, where moral dilemmas and situations are debated and considered.
British Value - The Rule Of Law
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except
that which God has established.” Romans 13 v.1
The Christian values of Responsibility is focussed in Rule of Law.
Team Prestbury value the importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, school or the country are consistently reinforced during everyday life at school. At the start of the school year, every class discusses and sets its own rules that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and caring environment. Our children are taught the value and reasons behind rules, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules are broken. We involve our pupils in making decisions and choices that are acceptable to the school community and society at large. They are helped to learn to manage their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions. Our Behaviour Policy is evidently embedded in pupils’ daily conduct promoting a safe environment. Through our PSHE programme, we organise visits from the local Police Team who reinforce the importance of laws and rules, as well as the consequences of breaking laws in the society in which we live.
Where appropriate, we seek to use “restorative justice”, for misdemeanours, such as writing letters of apology. This helps encourage the concept of atonement. Our Child on Child Abuse Policy ensures that labels of bully and victim are not used and instead, an understanding is sought as to why children have broken school rules and any underlying difficulties that they may be experiencing.
Children also participate in nominating and electing class councillors and House Team Captains ensuring pupil voice and representation.
Individual Liberty
Christ has set us free - Galatians 5 vs 1
The Christian values of Respect, Responsibility and Readiness are focussed in Individual Liberty.
At Prestbury St Mary’s Federation, children are actively encouraged to make choices. In Team Prestbury we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering curriculum. This may be through the choice of challenge, who they work with and how they present their work, Children may also choose to participation in our numerous extra-curricular activities; our pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Our children are taught to be responsible for themselves, to respect their freedom of choice and to be ready to stand up for individual freedom and liberty.
Mutual Respect
Be devoted to one another, love one another above yourselves - Romans 12 v.10
The Christian values of Respect is focussed in Mutual Respect.
Team Prestbury isn’t just a saying – it’s the way we work as a school community. We expect all members of our School to work as a team and to treat each other with respect. Respect is a Christian Value of our school and is a strong theme within our assemblies. The children know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone and to everything. The core Christian Value of Respect at Prestbury underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom. Children learn that we live in a country which is full of diversity. They are taught to respect and celebrate these differences, whoever they are. Our Mission Statement of working together for fullness of life, is key to our success.
Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths And Beliefs
Do not judge others and you will not be judged - Matthew 7 v.1
The Christian values of Respect, Responsibility and Readiness are focussed in Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths and Beliefs.
Our Christian Values of Respect, Responsibility and Readiness ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. Prestbury St Mary’s Federation enhances pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs through RE, P.S.H.E, and participation in celebrations of all faiths. Our curriculum (Gloucestershire Agreed Syllabus for RE) provides opportunities where pupils feel secure to explore, reflect, develop curiosity and independence, whilst working collaboratively within a culture which respects each other’s ambitions. Our RE lessons actively promote diversity, embrace different faiths and beliefs (including those who follow no faith), and we reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Through Religious Education we are also able to develop an awareness and appreciation of all cultures. We are part of St Mary’s Church community and clergy visit school regularly and are active members of our governing body.
At Prestbury St Mary’s Federation we are ready to actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views and all members of staff have completed Prevent Training.