St. Michael's is committed to serving its local community and the wider area. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status. St. Michael's School is dedicated to preparing pupils for their adult life beyond the formal curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces Christian and British values to all its Children.
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.
The five British Values are:
The school uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for its pupils. The examples below show some of the many ways St. Michael's embeds British values.
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at St. Michael's, with democratic processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for school council members. The principle of democracy is also explored in the PSHE and Religious Education curriculum, as well as in assemblies and class time.
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at St. Michael's. Children are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are reinforced throughout every aspect of the day and in the home school contract. The children are taught the value and reasons behind laws that 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 reinforce this message.
At St. Michael's, children are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.
Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through online safety, PSHE and Assemblies
St. Michael's promotes a strong an anti-bullying culture and has a comprehensive Behaviour and Learning Policy.
Respect is part of the St. Michael's Values. Pupils learn that their behaviours have an effect on bit their own rights and others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through all teaching and learning environments.
Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for children to express their views in a safe environment where the thoughts and answers of all are respected.
This is achieved though equipping children with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Additionally, children are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate a variety of festivities throughout the calendar year. The Religious Studies curriculum, which is compulsory for all children, provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
Through our PSHE curriculum we help students to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence; distinguish right from wrong and to respect the law. We encourage children to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and contribute positively to society. We enable children to acquire a broad knowledge of, and respect for, English public institutions and services and to appreciate and respect their own and other cultures.
St. Michael's School strives to ensure that children leave with a strong foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and successful contribution to our Society.