Mission Statement
We are inspired by teachings of Jesus Christ who is at the heart of all that we do.
Working in unity with our families, parish and community, we encourage and support the children to grow in faith and reach their full potential in a happy, caring and loving environment.
School Values
Each month the school introduces a value as a whole school focus. The value is introduced in assembly, revisited in class and acknowleged in the celebration assembly as a Citizen Award. The values are taken from the Beatitudes in Matthew’s Gospel with additional values linked to British values.
The values encourage the children to recognise their responsibility as a school family to continue to work together and to be the best person they can be with the support of others around them.
Respect
Peace
Unity
Cooperation
Honesty
Humility
Tolerance
Love
Simplicity
Forgiveness
Compassion
Matthew 5:1-12
British Values
In 2013 the Department for Education said
“Keeping our children safe and ensuring schools prepare them for life in modern Britain could not be more important. This change is an important step towards ensuring we have a strong legal basis for intervening in those schools where this is an issue.” British values are considered by the government to be
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
The promotion of ‘British values’ is central to Catholic education because British values have their origin in the Christian values of our nation. At Our Lady and St Edwards these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council. The children have the chance to elect a representative from each class that they feel will represent their classes views. The school council have been involved in organising fund raising events such as non-uniform days.
Rule of Law
The importance of Laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Children are taught to distinguish right from wrong by using the example of Christ when dealing with behaviour that is not acceptable. Visits from authorities such as the Police; Fire Service; etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message. Year 6 take part in Safer Cycling activities where they learn about responsible road use.
Individual Liberty
Pupils within Our Lady and St Edwards Primary are actively encouraged to make independent choices knowing that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. We encourage pupils to see themselves as unique individuals able to make a unique contribution to building community. Developing their self-esteem and self-confidence is very important. Pupils are encouraged to know and understand their rights and responsibilities, receiving advice about how to exercise these safely, for example through discussions of E-Safety, class and whole school responsibilities. All pupils are keen to support charities, whether local, national or global. They are taught consideration for others through our Religious Education curriculum and PSHE lessons in particular.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Pupils and staff alike model respect. The school promotes respect for others and this is reinforced through assemblies, our classroom and learning environments as well as extra-curricular activities
such as sport. Our school’s ethos and behaviour policy are based on Gospel values, with the important commandment being, ‘Love one another as I have loved you’. In line with our
commitment to democracy, pupils are always able to voice their opinions as we foster an environment where they can debate ideas and are safe to disagree with each other. We work hard
to promote anti-bullying through a focus on strategies to enable respect for difference and tolerance. As a Catholic worshipping community, pupils are equipped with the ability to develop
positive values and understand their own beliefs within a culturally diverse society. We give our pupils the opportunities to experience such diversity within the wider community through visits, for example, to the local Mosque. Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and
the right for each person to be respected and valued.
