British Values
At St Joseph’s, we are committed to preparing our children for life in modern Britain by actively promoting the Fundamental British Values of:
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Democracy
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The Rule of Law
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Individual Liberty
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Mutual Respect
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Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
These values are defined by the Department for Education and are a statutory expectation for all schools in England.
As a Catholic school, these values sit naturally alongside our Gospel values and our own school values of Hope, Thankfulness, Collaboration, Compassion, Friendship, Resilience, Empathy, Creativity, Justice and Respect. They are not taught in isolation; instead, they are woven through our curriculum, our relationships, and our daily life together as a community rooted in faith.
How We Teach and Celebrate British Values Each Week
Celebration of the Word
Every week, our whole school gathers for Celebration of the Word, reflecting on Sunday’s Gospel and exploring how Jesus’ teachings guide the way we live, learn and treat one another. These moments of prayer, scripture and reflection help children understand how Gospel values such as love, justice, forgiveness and service underpin the British Values we uphold. This aligns with national Catholic guidance, which highlights the natural connection between Christian teaching and British Values.
Picture News in Class
Each week, children also engage with Picture News, which uses a current news story to explore a key British Value, a Protected Characteristic and a UN Right of the Child. Picture News provides age‑appropriate resources that help children make sense of the world, develop critical thinking and understand how British Values apply to real‑life situations.
Through discussion, questioning and reflection, children learn to:
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recognise fairness and democracy in action
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understand why rules and laws keep us safe
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appreciate the importance of respect and tolerance
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express their views confidently and listen to others
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consider different perspectives with empathy
These sessions complement our Celebration of the Word by helping children connect faith, values, and current events, strengthening their understanding of how to live out the Gospel in today’s world.
British Values, Gospel Values and Our School Values: Working Together
At St Joseph’s, British Values are not an “add‑on”—they are lived out daily through:
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our commitment to dignity, respect and compassion
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our belief that every child is uniquely created and loved by God
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our focus on community, responsibility and service
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our encouragement of pupil voice, leadership and participation
By linking British Values with our Catholic mission and school values, we help children grow into thoughtful, responsible and active citizens who contribute positively to society.