British Values
At Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School, our mission statement, “Guided by the light of Christ we grow, learn and shine together,” underpins everything we do. Rooted in our Catholic faith, we help children develop the knowledge, understanding and respect they need to contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
We recognise and celebrate the multicultural and multifaith nature of the United Kingdom. We promote community cohesion, respect for difference and the dignity of every person. British Values are woven through our curriculum, relationships and daily school life.
Our Religious Education curriculum (RED), helps pupils explore how Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching shape our actions. Children learn how our Catholic identity supports democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Corpus Christi is committed to preparing our children for the next steps beyond our primary school so that our children can fully integrate into the world in which they live. We aim to:
- enable students to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence;
- enable students to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England;
- encourage students to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and to understand
- how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely;
- enable students to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England;
- further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling students to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures;
- encourage respect for other people;
- encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England
Below is more information about each area of British Values.
Democracy
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Proverbs 14:15
We help children understand that their voices matter and that they have a responsibility to listen to others.
Our pupil-elected School Council and Rainford Youth Council give children opportunities to represent their classmates, share ideas and contribute to school improvement. Through elections, class discussions, pupil questionnaires and wider pupil voice activities, children experience how decisions can be made fairly.
Collaborative learning and debate help pupils express opinions, consider different perspectives and disagree respectfully. These experiences develop their understanding of participation, representation and shared responsibility.
The Rule of Law
“For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.”
Romans 2:13
Children learn that rules and laws help keep people safe, protect their rights and support a fair society.
Our school expectations and restorative approach to behaviour help pupils understand the reasons behind rules, the impact of their choices and the importance of taking responsibility. Children are supported to reflect, repair relationships and make positive changes when things go wrong.
Through assemblies, PSHE and the wider curriculum, pupils explore fairness, justice and the role of people and organisations that help protect our communities. Adults model consistent, respectful behaviour and help children understand that rules apply to everyone.
Individual Liberty
“But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”
James 1:25
We provide a safe, supportive environment in which children are encouraged to develop confidence, make choices and become increasingly independent.
Pupils have opportunities to pursue their interests through learning, clubs, leadership roles and wider school activities. We encourage them to express their views while recognising the rights and freedoms of others.
Through PSHE, Computing, online safety education and RE, children learn about personal boundaries, healthy relationships and how to make informed choices. They are taught how to recognise concerns, seek help and exercise their freedoms safely and responsibly.
Mutual Respect
“The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:31
Our mission calls us to grow, learn and shine together. We teach children that every person has inherent dignity and deserves to be treated with kindness, fairness and respect.
Respect is modelled through our relationships, classroom expectations, collective worship and restorative approach to behaviour. Children learn to listen carefully, value others’ contributions and recognise how their words and actions affect those around them.
We help pupils understand and challenge bullying, prejudice and discrimination. Through teamwork, our house system and opportunities to serve others, children develop a sense of belonging and responsibility towards their school and wider community.
Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14
As a Catholic school, we support children in deepening their own faith while developing respect and understanding for people whose beliefs and experiences differ from their own.
Our RE curriculum, guided by the Religious Education Directory, includes learning about other religions and worldviews. Children are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, recognise shared values and understand differences respectfully, including the views of those who do not hold a religious belief.
Across the curriculum and daily school life, we challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion. We help children move beyond simply accepting difference towards valuing each person as a member of our community.
Through these experiences, we prepare our pupils to become compassionate, informed and responsible citizens who contribute to the common good.