Abbey Values

Aims

The aims of our school are:

• To provide a safe and caring ethos, where Christ is at the centre of everything that we do.
• To apply all rules fairly and positively and follow procedures consistently, rewarding good behaviour and challenging unacceptable behaviour.
• To promote sound moral and social attitudes where children learn respect for themselves and others.
• To ensure that all staff feel supported in their determination to secure effective behaviour for learning.
• To ensure everyone associated with Abbey Catholic Primary School is aware of our rules, rewards and sanctions including online behaviours.
• To monitor pupil behaviour in order to support more effective learning across the curriculum.
• To develop skills of staying safe online and reporting incidents to adults.

Vision

At the Abbey, we aspire to ensure we harness skills within our children that allows them to go out into life in Modern Britain and become activist for transformational change.

Here is our vision of what all stakeholders of the school believe an ‘Abbey Child’ represents:

As a faithful child I will:

• always be hopeful and faith-filled.
• show love and compassion to others.
• ensure my actions are both active and curious.
• always be generous and grateful.
• endeavour to be eloquent and truthful.
• ensure my behaviours are both attentive and discerning.
• allow my thoughts to be both learned and wise.
• reflect on what it is like to be prophetic and intentional.

As a resilient child I will:

• always try my hardest and persevere in all aspects of life.
• identify what the right choices are to make.
• manage distractions that will stop me achieving my best.

As a reciprocal child I will:

• collaborate with others to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
• listen to others, show empathy and have respect for others even if I don’t agree with their opinion.
• try and have a positive impact on other people’s lives (interdependence).
• show respect and be polite when communicating with others online.

As a resourceful child I will:

• make links between my behaviour and the behaviours of Christ.
• challenge myself to maximise my potential.
• capitalise on all the opportunities presented to me by God.

Promoting British Values

The Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. The DfE has recently reinforced the need ‘to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values.’ These are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

At Abbey Primary Catholic School we are committed to serving our community and local area. In so doing, we reinforce British values regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Democratic values are an explicit part of the ethos at Abbey Catholic Primary School. All adults listen to the views of the pupils and value their opinions. Pupils have further opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil Voice interviews led by Phase leaders. The elections of School Council and Liturgy Team members are the result of pupil votes and all of these groups canvas the opinions of their peers.

At the end of Year 6 a number of awards are presented to pupils for their achievements. The awards are voted for by their peers so it is truly an honour to be nominated.

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. A ‘Going for Gold’ chart is displayed in each class, it rewards pupils for following the rules and setting a good example. Children understand that if all class members follow the rules rewards can be achieved. This is reinforced through Abbey pounds.

Assemblies and discussions in class focus on recognising right from wrong and visits from the Police, Fire Service and local councillors help to reinforce these messages. A wide variety of after school clubs are available. Pupils have a choice of which club they would like to attend. We are very proud that children are beginning to develop individual interests and strengths through supporting teachers with delivery of these.

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 our Religious Education curriculum and PSHE lessons in particular.

E-safety teaching enables them to make choices in a safe manner.

All children in Year 4 receive the opportunity for lessons in a musical instrument. As a school we fund a whole years’ worth of tuition for all pupils. Pupils have a choice to continue with this instrument if they wish.

Mutual Respect

Our 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.

Abbey Values Certificates are awarded weekly in whole school assembly for children who are living Gospel Values and Abbey Learning Values. Parents are invited to share this celebration.

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 our Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school. The RE curriculum specifically teaches pupils about other world religions and visits are made to places of worship in each year band.

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 race. Members of different faiths or religions are always welcome in our school community. Each calendar year begins with Multi faith week, where all areas of the Curriculum focus on international studies and different faiths and beliefs.

We encourage all pupils to be individuals but also to take pride in wearing their school uniform and being part of the Abbey. Through a united uniform, pupils grow to respect each other.