Vision, Values & Ethos

St. Paul’s Catholic Primary School is a vibrant Christian community where the heart of the school is a love for God.

It respects the uniqueness of the individual made in God’s image and loved by him and this is immersed in our RESPECT values of Resilience, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Positivity, Excellence, Communication and Teamwork.

We aim to deliver a high standard of education which challenges all, based on the understanding that the whole person is celebrated and inspired to contribute.

We aim for excellence in the daily life of our school, where together we live, love, learn and celebrate.

           In working outwardly, our partnership with parents, our parishes, other schools and the wider                 community, will benefit.

          We will endeavour to provide open and supportive communication which fosters effective,                      caring relationships between all.

'Growing in God’s Love to Be the Best We Can Be'

Catholic Values and British Values

The promotion of ‘British values’ is central to Catholic education because British values have their origin in the Christian values of our country. British values are considered by the present government to be:

• Democracy
• Rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

At St. Paul’s Catholic Primary School, British Values are deeply inherent in our RESPECT values. British values held within the beliefs of the Catholic faith provide us with a shared sense of identity and a collective purpose.

We recognise, not only the importance of helping pupils to develop academically but also spiritually, morally, socially and culturally. Our aim is that they are fully prepared for life in British society, to take their role as good citizens, able to make the best possible contribution to their community. Across the curriculum of both schools ‘British Values’ are referred to, taught and reflected upon in a range of different subjects, across all year groups.

We place great emphasis on the celebration of individuality and difference within our country and our calling to work in the service of others. This is evident in our firmly established links with local, national and international communities we support, including the range of charitable causes we endorse.

The examples that follow are an indication of some of the many ways we seek to embed British values at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School.

Democracy

• School Council
• Involving pupils in decision making
• Taking part in debates
• Highlighting the development of democratic ideas in history lessons
• Ensuring all pupils are listened to by adults
• Inviting speakers to the school
• Holding mock elections

The Rule Of Law

• Having a clear behaviour policy that is explained to all and where views of pupils have been considered in its formation.
• Organising visits from outside speakers, including the police service/community safety officer to reinforce the message of right and wrong.
• Highlighting the rules of the Church and God in the RE curriculum, for example the Ten Commandments and the Precepts of the Church.

Individual Liberty

• Encouraging pupils to be independent in their learning.
• Providing pupils with opportunities for reflection as they take responsibility to discerning their vocation.

Mutual Respect

• Having a mission statement that is inclusive.
• Constantly promoting respect for others recognising that it is central to relationships.
• Reinforcing the value of everyone’s opinions in class debates and discussions.
• Having an effective anti-bullying policy.
• Emphasising in RE and other lessons that every person is unique and “created in the image of God”.
• Having educational links with other schools.
• Remembrance activities.
• Supporting charitable works.

Tolerance Of Those With Different Faiths and Beliefs

• Religious Education provides pupils with a deep understanding of their own faith as well as awareness of the faith and traditions of other religious communities as a basis for understanding and respecting them.
• Showing in scripture how Jesus encouraged tolerance in stories such as The Good Samaritan and The Women at the Well.
• Focusing on rights and responsibilities.
• Having a school Prayer Room which is open for all faiths to use.