St Stephen's Catholic Primary School and Nursery

Catholic values and 'British values'

This is a Catholic school which seeks to live out the values of Jesus Christ.

We promote these values by our words and deeds, and Catholic doctrine and practice therefore permeates every aspect of the school's activity.

We provide a Catholic curriculum, which is broad and balanced, recognising that every pupil is unique and is created in the image of God (Gen 1: 27). 

Our curriculum is designed to enable every pupil to discern their vocation and to be well-equipped to follow it as a active citizens in service to the world.

Catholic Religious Education is the "core of the core curriculum" (Pope St John Paul II - 26.3 92) and the foundation of the entire educational process.

We also provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities and strong pastoral support. We incorporate democratic principles, value the rule of law, support individual liberty and foster a community in which different faiths and beliefs are respected.

How do we promote 'British values' in our Catholic curriculum?

Democracy

• having a School Council;
• voting for class representatives to the council;
• studying the development of sovereignty and government in Britain over time;
• raising awareness of current affairs with the children at an age appropriate level;

Through 'The way, the Truth and the Life' (TWTTL) scheme :

Many ways to serve others

Becoming aware of our God-given gifts and reflecting on how we can use them to help othera

Individual Liberty

• interviewing pupils to enable them to give their opinion sand views on their experiences of school life;
• providing regular opportunities for children to work collaboratively within their own year groups and across year groups.

Through 'TWTTL' scheme:

Belonging to a family and also the family of the Church

Our responsibility as stewards of the Earth; God’s personal gifts to us

Enabling Catholic students to know and understand what they believe about their Catholic faith

Tolerance of those with different Faiths and Beliefs

• visiting places of worship for other faiths and receiving visitors from other faiths in school;
• recognising and celebrating cultural celebrations for children from different countries within our school;
• raising money for those in need locally and internationally;

Through 'TWTTL' scheme:

Being a Christian and loving one’s neighbour

To be a Disciple of Jesus & living the Beatitudes

Striving for justice: the Himalayan villagers & refugees; Oscar Romero; Martin Luther King; Vivo Rio, long live our city Example of Annalena Tonelli in Africa and Sr Joan O’Callaghan in El Salvador, Peru

Judaism, Islam and Sikhism.

What the Catholic Church teaches about other faiths

Examples of people of other faiths and that the goodness in the minds and hearts of these people is deeply respected by the Church

Knowing that God’s Holy Spirit has been at work in all religious traditions.

The gift of God’s grace is absolutely free and available to everyone

The Rule of Law

• adopting and embedding a strong Positive Behaviour/ Anti-bullying policy which contains clear rewards and sanctions;
• arranging visits from the Police service to reinforce the message of right and wrong

Through 'TWTTL' scheme:

The great Commandment

The teaching of Jesus

The Ten Commandments

The New Commandment

Mutual Respect

• adopting and embedding a strong Positive Behaviour/ Anti-bullying policy which contains clear rewards and sanctions;
• marking 'Remembrance;

Through 'TWTTL' scheme:

Actions & consequences

Being responsible for our behaviour

Know that we are called to work for justice and speak out against injustice

The Mission of the Church

Forgiveness takes courage