At St Peter's we fully support the promotion of fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith, within the school environment and in the communities we serve.
We promote Fundamental British values in our everyday interactions with students, staff and external visitors to our school. This is embodied within the school mission statement, founded on Christian values when we 'develop the self-esteem, dignity and respect of all members of the community by concentrating on each person's infinite worth in the eyes of God'
Through curriculum subjects such as English, history, sociology, politics but especially through RE, Citizenship, SMSC/ PHSE curriculum and assemblies, we teach and reinforce the fundamental laws of democracy, mutual respect and tolerance of all members of our community.
Elections for year council representatives and school council representatives take place and students convey their concerns and ideas to the school council to ensure their voices are heard.The sixth form leadership team lead the year council meetings and attend school council meetings with senior leaders, the head teacher and the chair of governors. Our school recently reviewed the school's mission statement to ensure it was relevant to them, to parents and to all staff.
Each year we send student representatives to the G15 student council, a council made up of students from the 15 schools in the Gloucester City cluster.
We also hold mock elections to mirror national general elections with KS5 politics students leading, delivering speeches and representing the main political parties. The count is then shared with the school community and contributes to the G15 overall count.
Students learn about the rule of law as stated below and attend assemblies or events on knife crime, hate speech, sexual consent and coercive control during their time at St Peter's. Our school rules and expectations are conveyed through our Behaviour for Learning policy and through our ROCK values of Respect, Optimism, Community and Kindness. Students and all staff treat each other with respect which fosters positive relationships. This is supported by our behaviour policy, assemblies, class and form discussions and through the daily interactions of all members and visitors to our school.
In lessons, pupils are encouraged to join in and feel free to express their opinion but to be respectful of others with different views who may and will challenge them. Pupils are encouraged to make good choices and to understand that it is their right to receive a good education in a safe environment. They are encouraged to exercise their rights and personal freedom, whilst appreciating that everyone is unique. This enables our students to develop self-confidence and self-esteem. There are many leadership opportunities which students can become involved in, such as fundraising for local, national or international charities such as CAFOD, Children in Need, Wear it Pink, Wear it Blue, by becoming a CAFOD young leader, or by supporting younger students in school as a year 7 mentor or as a prefect..
Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith
Respect has always been a key value at St Peter's and is embedded in our ROCK values of Respect, Optimism, Community and Kindness. Students and all staff treat each other with great respect which leads to strong relationships. This is supported by R.E. lessons and by our behaviour policy, assemblies, form and class discussions and through the daily interactions of all members and visitors to our school. Students learn about those of different faiths and beliefs and about those without faith or beliefs and our messages fo respect all and about equality are embedded in every aspect of school life.
RE topics covered
Citizenship/PSCHE/Assemblies
Multicultural Britain – Judaism (mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.)
Community, rights and responsibilities
Fundamental British values and being a UK citizen
Differences and equality
Multicultural Britain – Hinduism (mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.)
UK justice system
Community work-values
The right to protest
Prejudice and Discrimination
Multicultural Britain – Islam (mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.)
Differences, acceptance and respect
Religion, Human rights and Social Justice:
Human Dignity and religious Freedom
Racial Prejudice and Discrimination
Justice, Racial Equality and Racial Prejudice
Preventing extremism
The 'Prevent' strategy
Ways to help prevent racism