Individual Liberty

Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment.  Developing their self-esteem and self-confidence is very important.  Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect.  All pupils are keen to support charities, whether local, national or global.  They are taught consideration for others through the Religious Education curriculum and PSHE lessons in particular.  E-safety teaching enables them to make choices in a safe manner.

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 and other local community representatives help to reinforce these messages.

Democracy

Democratic values are an explicit part of the ethos at St. Thomas More’s.  All adults listen to the views of the pupils and value their opinions.  Pupils have further opportunity to have their voices heard through the School Council.  The elections of School Council are the result of pupil votes and these groups canvas the opinions of their peers, and the children will vote on issues which shape their school experience.

Mutual Respect

The school’s ethos and behaviour policy are based on Gospel values, with the important commandment being, ‘Love one another as I have loved you’.  Assemblies constantly promote respect for others and the importance of good manners.   All pupils are taught the importance of self-respect, honest and open communication with others and fair play.  Pupils work collaboratively and value others’ opinions.

When pupils leave St Thomas More’s Catholic Primary School they will:

• Be aware of their responsibilities as citizens of a democratic society
• Have an awareness of how they can maintain the underpinning core British values
• Maintain an awareness and respect for the culturally diverse society in which they live

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

As a Catholic worshipping community, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society.  This is achieved through the Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school.  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 ethnicity.