In 2011 the government set out its ‘British values’  for life in modern Britain.

These were:

• Democracy
• Rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of other faiths and beliefs and those of none

At St Thomas Cantilupe, these values sit alongside our Christian foundation, our RPSHE (relationships, personal, social and health education) our SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural) teaching as well as safeguarding arrangements. Our understanding is woven into our Rights Respecting Schools work and linked to our subject teaching across each term.

Children understand and apply these values through a range of learning opportunities. For example:

• A school council where children nominate one another, vote for representatives and take part in developing the school
• Our school rules, where children are taught to make good choices and understand that all are responsible for taking part in making our school a happy place to be
• Enabling children to take part in a wide range of clubs of their choice
• Having high expectations with regard to manners, behaviour and courtesy
• Supporting children to discuss differences and disagreements and find a solution
• Taking part in community initiatives such as ‘Walk to school’ week
• Helping pupils to value their own physical well-being through high quality school meals and sports provision
• Teaching children, on a regular basis, about the importance of the internet, social media and keeping safe
• Making links with other schools, both in in the UK and abroad
• Enabling parents and children to share in regular ‘Celebration assemblies’ where good attendance, learning behaviour and house success are all value

Children from Year 6 take donations to the food bank at the end of our road.

What does this mean for my child?

We prepare children and young people for life in modern Britain.

This includes helping pupils understand:

• The importance of combatting discrimination
• How we can influence decision-making by taking part in democratic processes like voting and petitioning
• Our freedom under British law to choose different faiths and beliefs
• That the law is there to keep us safe

In summary, we support children to ‘Shine bright your light’ so that they can be the best they can be and to take their own steps to enable this to happen.