"To work, to pray, to play in the light of the Lord."
With Christ at the heart of our community, our mission is to deliver an outstanding and distinctive Catholic education for all children in our care. We are committed to promoting the British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance, rooted firmly in Gospel values.
We RESPECT our diverse community and celebrate our FAITH, whilst learning about other religions, traditions, and cultures. In doing so, we foster mutual respect and tolerance and help children to understand and appreciate life in modern Britain.
We acknowledge the unique value and dignity of each person and are THANKFUL for the contribution they make to our school and parish. Through opportunities for pupil voice, shared decision-making, and listening to one another, we promote democracy, encouraging all members of our community to express their views responsibly and with respect. This is guided by LOVE for each other, KINDNESS, mutual RESPECT, and a willingness to FORGIVE.
We provide a safe, nurturing environment where children have the confidence to PERSEVERE in their FAITH and education. Through clear expectations, agreed rules, and shared responsibility, we promote an understanding of the rule of law and individual liberty, preparing children to serve the local, national, and global community of the 21st Century.
How do we promote “British Values” in our School and Catholic Curriculum?
Democracy
- Through an effective and purposeful School council;
- voting for class representatives to the School council;
- studying the development of government in Britain over time;
- raising awareness of current affairs with the children at an age appropriate level;
Through 'Lighting the Path' and 'The way, the Truth and the Life’ RE scheme of work:
- Through servant leadership and respect for all.
- By recognising where people were called through vocation and democracy.
- Becoming aware of our God-given gifts and reflecting on how we can use them to help others.
The Rule of Law
- adopting and embedding a strong Positive Behaviour/ Anti-bullying policy.
- arranging visits from the Police service to reinforce the message of right and wrong
- Working closely with our Armley cluster of schools to share advice and support.
- Annual Visit to Houses of Parliament for School Council
- Working with local MP John Battle
Through 'Lighting the Path' and 'The way, the Truth and the Life’ RE scheme of work:
- The teachings of Jesus Christ.
- The word of God, through the Holy Bible.
- The Old Testament Commandments, recognised and shared by Moses.
- Jesus’s teachings on his neighbour and service.
- Identifying wrong-doing, sin and the power of forgiveness.
- Action and Consequence.
- Rulemaking and breaking.
Individual Liberty
- The power of collaboration. Effective allocation of roles and responsibilities.
- The ability to speak out and be heard - Debating club
- What it means to be listened to.
- Debating and agreeing to disagree.
- What it means to be a member of a school, a community, a group.
- Pupil voice through school council, projects and social media.
- Mentoring and supporting others. Eg. Year 6 and Reception “buddies”
Through 'Lighting the Path' and 'The way, the Truth and the Life’ RE scheme of work:
- The family of the church
- Being part of Holy Family School
- The family at home and how each family is different.
- Stewardship of the World and looking after our resources.
- Enabling Catholic students to know and understand what they believe about their Catholic faith
Mutual Respect
- A clear system of behaviour, planned and devised by all staff, children and governors.
- A rewards and sanctions system that has been devised by the children e.g. Class Rules/Class Contract/Restorative Practise
- A shared vision of what Holy Family is like and why we respect each other’s attitudes and values.
- Marking 'Remembrance; through assemblies, lesson study and charity.
Through 'Lighting the Path' and 'The way, the Truth and the Life’ RE scheme of work:
- Comparing scenarios and discussing possible outcomes/reactions/feelings.
- The Mission of the Church- what it means for us.
- The power of forgiveness and the challenge to forgive.
- Justice- through inspirational role models like MLK and Oscar Romero.
- Knowing we are called to justice and asked to speak out against injustice.
- Actions and what are the consequences?
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;
- Identifying how different Religions have common values and beliefs.
- raising money and donations for those in need locally and internationally i.e. Street Angels, The Good Shepherd Appeal and the CAFOD harvest appeal.
Through 'Lighting the Path' and 'The way, the Truth and the Life’ RE scheme of work:
- Refugees, the struggle through war and the difficulties faced due to beliefs.
- Judaism, taught through focused lesson study and local visits.
- Islam, by visiting the Leeds Grand Mosque.
- Sikhism, through project work and visiting the Gurdwara
- Loving our neighbour- who was Jesus and what did he believe?
- Discipleship and living out the Beatitudes.
- MLK- why was his work so important for discipleship and togetherness today.
- Rosa Parks- inequalities and justice.
- The gifts from God and how we should use them wisely.