All learners, members of the school community and stakeholders understand the Christian ethos and foundation that the school operates within. The DfE have reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

 

STCM explicitly teaches a values–led curriculum. These values are both integral and reinforced regularly in the following ways. Links have been made between British Values and Scriptural references, to reinforce our Christian ethos.

 

DEMOCRACY

Exodus 18:26 New International Version (NIV)

They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves.

 

At STCM students, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. Students are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully to each other; respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions heard. It is a feature of our school that all staff make time to listen, so that student’s concerns are heard and acted upon. ‘Student Voice’ is strong here and ensures students have an opportunity to voice their opinions and be ‘active’ members of our learning community. Students are involved in the appointment process when new staff are taken on. They prepare their own questions and feedback to the Senior Leadership Team, often proving to be the single most valuable piece of the jigsaw when assessing a candidates suitability to get along in STCM school.

 

RULE OF LAW

John 14:15 English Standard Version (ESV)

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Matthew 7:12 English Standard Version (ESV)

 

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at STCM. The school is underpinned by our “Expectations”. Other rules that feature throughout our “hidden” curriculum include e-safety rules, health and safety rules, break and lunchtime rules through the code of conduct. Students are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibility that this involves and the consequences when rules are broken. Regular visits from external agencies reinforce this message. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms.

 

MUTUAL RESPECT and TOLERANCE

The Golden Rule Matthew 7:12

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Ephesians 4:2 Good News Translation (GNT)

Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another.

 

STCM embraces and celebrates different faiths and beliefs through RE lessons, Collective Worship and Personal Development lessons. Students are treated with respect and are expected to behave with appropriate respect in return. Students clearly understand that discriminatory language is not acceptable and will be challenged. This approach is supported by our behaviour policy and our expectations. Adults at STCM are positive role models and demonstrate the core values of our school at all times.

 

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

Galatians 5:13 New Living Translation (NLT)

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters………..use your freedom to serve one another in love.

 

All children at STCM are encouraged to be independent learners and are actively encouraged to make choices; knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. They are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through various aspects of our curriculum and through all aspects of Personal Development, RE, Collective Worship and Ready to Learn Time. Students are keen to support local, national and international charities, and are taught consideration for others.