St John Plessington Catholic College

SMSC and British Values at SJP

Spiritual development – including how the school develops students’ ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, their knowledge of and respect for different beliefs and values, their sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves and others, their use of imagination and creativity, and their willingness to reflect on their experiences. 

Moral development – including how the school develops students’ ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong, alongside legal boundaries, their understanding of the consequences of their behaviour, and their interest in investigating and offering views about moral and ethical issues. 

Social development – including how the school develops students’ use of a range of social skills in different contexts, their willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, and their acceptance of and engagement with the fundamental British values. 

Cultural development – including how the school develops students’ understanding and appreciation of cultural influences, their ability to recognise and value the things we share in common across different communities, and their interest in exploring different faiths and cultural diversity. 

SJP is committed to serving its community. The school embraces the belief that at the heart of a modern ever-changing community is the acceptance of key British values, which it has a responsibility to promote. In doing so, our learners will be able to grow as individuals and citizens within the community and country in which they live. 

We promote fundamental British Values and define British Values to be: Democracy, The rule of Law, Mutual Respect, Individual Liberty, Tolerance of those with different faiths, cultures and beliefs. We have included British Values within our Personal Development Curriculum. 

Democracy 

  • Students have numerous opportunities to have their views heard through for example, student voice, voting in assemblies, Junior Leadership Team, specific students led groups 

The rule of law 

  • Students are taught to have a high regard for the laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. 
  • Students are taught these values and the reasons behind laws, whether they govern the classroom, the school or the country, that are essential for their well-being and safety. Students are encouraged to have healthy debates in class on the matter to encourage recognition of the importance of the law through Oracy based activities. 
  • We organise visits from a range of other agencies throughout the academic year in an effort to reinforce the reality and importance of this message. 
  • Our Behaviour and Rewards policy establishes a clear use of rewards and sanctions. Pupils are constantly reminded of what being “Ready, Respectful and Safe” looks like around school. 
  • Positive behaviour to and from school is reinforced through assemblies and by the presence of staff on duty outside school.

Individual liberty 

  • We foster a safe and supportive environment where students are actively encouraged to make choices. Whether it is choosing a challenging task or an extra-curricular club, students have the freedom to base their choices on their interests. 
  • Students are taught about their rights and personal freedoms and are encouraged and advised on how to exercise these safely.  

Mutual respect 

  • Respect forms a core pillar of our school ethos. Students are treated with respect and learn to treat each other and staff with respect.  
  • This is reinforced through our Behaviour and Rewards Policy and posters and key messages throughout the school promoting core values 

Tolerance 

  • We acknowledge that tolerance is achieved through students’ knowledge and understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and the opportunity for students to experience such diversity. 
  • Throughout the year, assemblies are held focusing on anti-bullying, with reference to prejudice-based bullying, and discussion is encouraged in form time. 
  • Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs is supported through the curriculum and as part of our Religious education curriculum.  
  • We encourage our students from different faiths or religions to share their knowledge with their peers to enhance their learning.

Curriculum links  


 The school seeks opportunities to draw links between British Values and curriculum subjects wherever possible to enhance students’ learning.