Democracy

Democratic values are an explicit part of the ethos at St. Joseph’s and Pupil Voice has a high profile. All adults listen to the views of the pupils and respect their opinions. Pupils are actively involved in agreeing classroom rules and understand the rewards of following agreed rules and the consequences of failing to adhere to the rules that have been agreed. Every child is given the opportunity to feed ideas into our School Council. Each class elects School Council representatives at the start of the year. Classes discuss key issues and then agree on class proposals that are presented during the School Council meeting by their class representatives. The School Council meetings are discussed within each class and identified issues or initiatives are often developed further as themes for whole school assemblies. Our commitment to a democratic approach runs through all aspects of school life. Further elections of House Captains are the result of pupil votes.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws and rules are consistently reinforced in the classroom, as well as through school assemblies. Pupils are taught to understand the need for laws – that they are there for individual protection, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Pupils follow a positive behaviour policy and clearly understand the rewards and sanctions that are used. Assemblies and discussions in class focus on recognising right from wrong and visits from the Police, Fire Service and local councillors help to reinforce these messages. 

Individual Liberty

Pupils within St. Joseph’s 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, understand and exercise their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms and receive advice about how to exercise these safely, for example through discussions of E-Safety 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 RSE lessons. 

Mutual Respect

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. 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 encourage pupils to communicate honestly and openly and to understand the value of co-operation and consensus as well as decision making through voting. Our emphasis on fairness and justice means that we ask our pupils to ensure that they look out for those who might be marginalised and disadvantaged. We work hard to promote anti-bullying through a focus on strategies to enable respect for difference and tolerance.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

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 lessons on other faiths every year and a religious tolerance focus day. Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage, or race. 

Please click on the links below to see more on how British Values and Gospel Values align at St. Joseph’s and to see how we progressively build understanding throughout the school.