SMSC & British Values
The government set out its definition of ‘British values’ in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ (2011), which was designed to prevent the extremism and religious radicalization of young people. British values are considered by the present government to be a democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. The promotion of ‘British values’ is central to Catholic and Anglican education as British values have their origin in the Christian values of our nation.
“We are proud that Catholic schools promote values that are both Catholic and British, including respect for the individual, democracy, individual liberty, respect, tolerance and inclusiveness. Our schools promote cohesion by serving more ethnically diverse and poorer communities. Catholic schools provide high standards of education which are popular with parents from all social, economic and faith backgrounds.”
Paul Barber (Catholic Education Service 15 December 2014)
At Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic and Church of England Academy High School we recognise not only the importance of helping students to flourish academically but also spiritually, morally, socially, culturally and emotionally so they are fully prepared for life in British society and for their role as citizens and are able to make the strongest possible contribution to the Common Good of all. We teach the importance of British Values by going much deeper into the meaning of what it means to live a good life. This is articulated through our Curriculum Policy which states the importance of,
“Promoting the spiritual, moral, social & cultural, mental & physical development of pupils at the school and of society and prepares such pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.”
This provides the context and meaning for understanding why British values are important. Our framework for understanding British values draws on the example of Jesus and his welcome and inclusion of all, which is developed in Catholic Social Teaching and in the teaching of the Anglican Church. At Blessed Carlo Acutis we provide an education, which focuses on the formation of the whole person and on our vocation and purpose in life. We are guided by our motto: ‘Faith in God, Faith in Ability, Faith in Each Other.’ Faith is our belief in a loving God who calls us to be a steward of goodness and a partner in love. This partnership in love is seen in the Christian understanding of the One God as a perfect community, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God the Holy Trinity calls us to reflect on our vocation in the world to build solidarity, act mutuality and bring cohesion in society so we can live in harmony with each other as brothers and sisters in the family of humanity.
This belief means we place a significant emphasis on the celebration of individuality and difference within our communities and our calling to work together for the Common Good, in the service of others. Our Catholic and Church of England ethos, which includes explicit reference to Christian and British values, makes a tangible difference to the way we work together and with our wider communities. Within this framework it would be impossible to overlook the government’s view of British values expressed as ‘democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.’ The examples that follow are an indication of some of the many ways we seek to embed British values at Blessed Carlo Acutis and should be seen as an indication of our approach rather than an exhaustive list.
‘Members of the school community are bound by the common thread of shared Christian values encapsulated in the school’s motto:
‘Faith in God, Faith in Ability, Faith in Each Other.’ SMSC is strong. Pupils are taught to respect and celebrate differences’
Ofsted 2017