British Values

How do we promote British Values at St Mary Queen of Martyrs VC Academy?

In June 2014, the Prime Minister emphasised the important role that British values can play in education. Further, how well a school promotes such values is an aspect ofOfsted’s inspection process.

British values are promoted in much of what we do, during school collective worship and class assemblies, Religious Education and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) sessions. British values are also integral to our vision and school values.

As well as actively promoting British values, the opposite also applies: we would actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including ‘extremist’ views.

The British values we adopt are not unique to Britain. We acknowledge that they differ in no way from the values of the many countries and the cultural backgrounds represented by families at St Mary Queen of Martyrs.

All staff act as role models of British values which are synonymous with the core Christian values at the heart of the school. Pupils are taught the fundamental British values through outside agencies and through class teaching and discussion. As part of the RE curriculum pupils have had regular visits to local synagogues and mosques.

Modern British Values and Catholic Social Teaching

1. Democracy and Participation

In the UK, Democracy is the right to have a voice in how the country is run. This aligns with the CST principle of Participation.

· The Connection: CST teaches that every person has a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good.

· The Shared Goal: Both frameworks believe that humans are social by nature and that a "just" society is one where people aren't just bystanders, but active contributors to their communities.

2. The Rule of Law and Rights & Responsibilities

The Rule of Law ensures that no one is above the law and everyone is treated fairly. This mirrors the CST focus on Rights and Responsibilities.

· The Connection: The Catholic Church teaches that human rights are grounded in the dignity of being created by God. However, these rights come with the responsibility to respect the rights of others.

· The Shared Goal: Order and justice. By following a shared set of rules, we protect the most vulnerable from the "law of the jungle" where only the powerful thrive.

3. Individual Liberty and Human Dignity

Individual Liberty—the freedom to choose your path and express your views—is the British counterpart to the CST principle of Human Dignity.

· The Connection: CST asserts that every person is made Imago Dei (in the image of God) and possesses an inherent worth that no government can take away. This dignity requires that a person be free to follow their conscience.

· The Shared Goal: While British values focus on the "freedom to act," CST reminds us that this freedom is best used when directed toward the "freedom to do good."

4. Mutual Respect & Tolerance and Solidarity

British values promote Mutual Respect and Tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs. This is a practical application of the CST principle of Solidarity.

· The Connection: Solidarity is the recognition that we are all responsible for each other; we are "one human family." It goes beyond mere "tolerance" (putting up with someone) to active love and respect for our neighbour.

· The Shared Goal: Social cohesion. Both frameworks aim to eliminate prejudice and ensure that diversity does not lead to division.

 

Comparison Summary

British Values	Catholic Social Teaching Principle	Shared Core Concept
Democracy	Participation	Everyone should have a say in society.
Rule of Law	Rights & Responsibilities	Justice requires fair rules for everyone.
Individual Liberty	Human Dignity	Every person has inherent value and freedom.
Mutual Respect	Solidarity	We are all connected and must care for one another.

 

 

Note: A key point of intersection is the Option for the Poor. While not explicitly a "British Value," the UK’s legal and social safety nets (like the NHS) are often seen by theologians as the practical manifestation of the CST call to put the needs of the vulnerable first.