British Values at St. Mary’s C of E Primary School

At St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School, we are committed to promoting the Fundamental British Values of:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

These values are closely linked with our six core Christian values of:

Courage • Compassion • Thankfulness • Forgiveness • Community • Truthfulness

These principles shape our everyday behaviour, relationships, learning, and community interactions—locally, nationally and globally. Our aim is to provide all pupils with a deep sense of identity, belonging, and pride in their role within society.

🗳️ Democracy

Democracy is an integral part of life at St. Mary’s. Pupils are regularly encouraged to share their views and have their voices heard.

• Children contribute to class charters, collaboratively developing rules and expectations.
• Pupil leadership roles such as Class Ambassadors, Prayer Leaders, and Librarians are voted for by peers, giving pupils real opportunities to participate in democratic processes.
• Children are taught to listen respectfully to others, to consider different viewpoints, and to value open dialogue.

This approach nurtures a strong sense of fairness, representation, and civic engagement.

⚖️ The Rule of Law

The importance of rules and laws is reinforced daily in our school culture.

• Children are taught the value and purpose of laws: to protect us, to keep us safe, and to maintain order.
• Our Behaviour Policy highlights the relationship between actions and consequences, encouraging responsibility and reflection.
• Pupils learn that their behaviour has an impact on others and that making amends is a crucial part of personal growth.

We empower children to take ownership of their actions within a structured and supportive framework.

🕊️ Individual Liberty

At St. Mary’s, we believe that all children should feel safe and confident to express themselves and make their own choices.

• Pupils are encouraged to explore their interests and develop independent thought.
• Through PSHE, e-safety, and Collective Worship, we teach pupils how to make informed, responsible, and safe decisions.
• Our school environment enables pupils to exercise their rights and personal freedoms in a supportive, values-led setting.

We foster confidence, self-awareness, and a strong moral compass in every child.

💛 Mutual Respect

Respect is at the core of our school culture and interwoven through our Christian values.

• We uphold every child's right to learn in a calm, focused environment.
• Children are taught to show kindness, empathy, and consideration in their interactions.
• We actively teach pupils that their behaviour affects others, and that mutual respect is essential for a successful community.

By modelling respectful relationships, we prepare pupils to build positive connections beyond the classroom.

🕍 Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We prepare pupils to thrive in a diverse and multicultural society.

• Through RE (following the Essex Agreed Syllabus), PSHE, Collective Worship, and curriculum enrichment, we explore a variety of faiths and worldviews.
• Children are taught to value diversity and recognise the importance of challenging discrimination and prejudice.
• We encourage children to be confident in their own beliefs while developing a deep appreciation for the beliefs of others.

“In Britain, we accept that other people may have different beliefs than ours—and that they may believe in different religions. We believe that self-respect and respect for others go hand in hand.”

Our aim is to develop thoughtful, open-minded citizens who value inclusivity and celebrate difference.

🌱 In Summary

At St. Mary’s C of E Primary School, our promotion of British Values is not a stand-alone initiative. It is embedded within our Christian ethos and woven through every aspect of school life—from classroom practice to collective worship and personal development.

We strive to ensure that every child leaves our school with:

• A strong moral foundation
• A sense of belonging and responsibility
• The character and confidence to contribute meaningfully to life in modern Britain