At St John Henry Newman Catholic School we recognise not only the importance of helping pupils to flourish academically but also spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, so they are fully prepared for life in British society and for their role as citizens, able to make the strongest possible contribution to our British society. The importance of British Values is taught by using Gospel Values as our foundation and Catholic teaching as our framework.

St John Henry Newman pupils are encouraged to participate in as many citizenship projects as possible. St John Henry Newman School pupils and staff actively promote the fundamental British rules of democracy, rules of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of all with different faiths and beliefs. These beliefs underpin our school and we work together to achieve this.British values are taught across our curriculum and are part of our ethos. School assemblies are based on British Values and Citizenship using  Gospel Values at the heart of our message. 

There is no place for extremist views of any kind in our school, whether from internal sources – pupils, staff, visiting adults, governors etc. or external sources – school community, external agencies or individuals.

Any prejudice, discrimination or extremist views, including derogatory language, displayed by pupils, staff, visitors or parents will always be challenged and, where appropriate, dealt with. Where misconduct by a teacher is proven, the matter will be referred to the National College for Teaching and Leadership for their consideration. Misconduct by other staff will be dealt with under normal school disciplinary procedures.

We encourage pupils to respect the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.  We ensure that partisan political views are not promoted in the teaching of any subject in the school and where political issues are brought to the attention of the pupils, reasonably practicable steps are taken to offer a balanced presentation of opposing views to pupils.

Examples of promoting British values include:

• Democracy
• Pupil Parliament
• Youth Parliament Elections
• Visits to the Houses of Parliament
• Visiting speakers including local Councillors
• Free Speech and the rule of law

• Debates in the classroom
• Anti Social Behaviour Competition in Year 7
• Very close links with the local police
• Magistrates Competition in Year 9
• Human Rights and individual liberty
• RE curriculum
• Citizenship activities in registration times

• Remembrance Day Activities
• Tolerance and mutual respect
• Assemblies
• Race and Diversity Talks by the Police
• Sense of Community
• Local Churches and primary school links