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British Values

The Department for Education mandates schools to uphold and instil the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of diverse faiths and beliefs.

At Finchley Catholic High School, we are unwaveringly committed to fostering these values through a comprehensive array of explicit and implicit educational activities, as well as through the articulate demonstration of these principles.

Our dedication to promoting fundamental British values is supported through:

  1. Social, Moral, Spiritual, and Cultural (SMSC) Education: These values are integrated into the fabric of our SMSC education, permeating our Acts of worship, assemblies, curriculum, ethos, student voice, teaching and learning practices, and our steadfast commitment to inclusion.
  2. Equal Opportunities Guidance: Our approach aligns with equal opportunities guidance, ensuring a non-discriminatory environment for all individuals, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, disability, or any other similar considerations.

Through these concerted efforts, we aim to create an educational environment that not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates a deep appreciation and understanding of the fundamental British values that underpin our society.

Promoting fundamental ‘British values’

At Finchley Catholic High School, we employ a diverse array of strategies, both within the curriculum and beyond, to promote Social, Moral, Spiritual, and Cultural (SMSC) education, along with the fundamental British values. Our commitment to these principles is tangibly reflected in our core values, which permeate the entire school environment and inform every aspect of our activities.

Our school values of Respect for Human Dignity, Humility and Love for Others, Compassion and Service to Others, and Justice and Forgiveness embody our unwavering dedication to promoting fundamental British values. These values are not just articulated but are visibly integrated into the school environment, guiding and shaping our approach in everything we do. This holistic commitment ensures that our educational community actively embraces and upholds the essential values that form the foundation of British society.

Our Faith, Mission and Ethos

Democracy

All students at Finchley Catholic High School are afforded opportunities to cultivate and showcase their knowledge and understanding of democracy through a multi-faceted approach, including:

  • Active Student Leadership Team: Our students actively participate in a Student Leadership Team that operates in adherence to democratic principles, fostering a sense of collective decision-making and responsibility.
  • Roles of Responsibility: Students are provided with various opportunities to assume roles of responsibility within the school, encouraging them to engage in responsible decision-making and leadership.
  • Curriculum Emphasis: The curriculum is designed to enhance students' understanding of British life and preparation for modern British life, ensuring that democratic principles are an integral part of their education.
  • Extra-Curricular Activities: Our extra-curricular activities are purposefully designed to promote democratic processes, offering students a practical and hands-on understanding of how democratic principles function in real-life scenarios.
  • Peer Representation: Students actively participate in the selection of peer representatives, including House Representatives, Prefects, Peer Mentors, Sports Leaders, and Equality and Diversity Representatives. This democratic approach ensures that students have a voice in shaping the ethos and culture of our school, fostering a sense of inclusivity and shared responsibility.

The Rule of Law

At Finchley Catholic High School, every student is provided with opportunities to cultivate and showcase their knowledge and understanding of the rule of law through a comprehensive approach, which includes:

  • Behaviour Policy: Our school's Behaviour Policy establishes a clear code of conduct and expectations for all students, emphasising the importance of adherence to the rule of law.
  • Anti-Bullying Culture: We maintain a robust anti-bullying culture supported by a comprehensive Anti-Bullying Policy, ensuring that students are aware of and respect the principles of justice and fairness.
  • Rewards, Recognition, and Sanctions: A comprehensive system of rewards, recognition, and sanctions reinforces the importance of following rules and regulations, instilling a sense of responsibility and accountability.
  • PSHE Curriculum: Our PSHE curriculum places a specific focus on the rule of law and fosters a culture of respect for all individuals, contributing to a deeper understanding of legal principles.
  • Ethos-Based Assemblies: Student-led school assemblies, including those conducted by the Equalities and Diversity Team, are centred around our Catholic ethos, emphasising the importance of respect for the law and the principles of equality.
  • Restorative Approaches: Finchley Catholic High School adopts restorative approaches to conflict, emphasising resolution and understanding as opposed to punitive measures.
  • Effective Partnerships: Collaborative links with the Metropolitan Police and other authorities contribute to the reinforcement of the rule of law within the school community, providing students with practical insights into the application of legal principles in society.

Individual Liberty

At Finchley Catholic High School, we ensure that all students have ample opportunities to develop and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of individual liberty through a holistic approach, which includes:

  • Behaviour Policy: Our school's Behaviour Policy establishes a clear code of conduct and expectations for all students, promoting an environment where individual liberties are respected within defined boundaries.
  • Pastoral Care: An outstanding system of pastoral care, guidance, and support is in place, creating a nurturing atmosphere where students feel empowered to express their individuality.
  • Anti-Bullying Culture: A robust anti-bullying culture, supported by a comprehensive Anti-Bullying Policy, underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every student can exercise their individual rights without fear of discrimination.
  • Charitable Events and Volunteering: Students actively participate in a variety of school and local community charitable events, providing opportunities for volunteering and reinforcing the values of empathy and compassion.
  • Key Roles and Responsibilities: Students assume key roles and responsibilities within the school, such as Liturgy Leaders, Prefects, Peer Mentors, House and Sports Leaders, and Equality and Diversity Representatives, contributing to the development of leadership skills and individual agency.
  • Freedom to Make Choices: All students are actively encouraged to make choices within the framework of a safe and supportive environment, fostering a sense of responsibility and autonomy.
  • PSHE Curriculum: Our PSHE curriculum serves to educate students on making choices safely, covering topics such as e-safety and extremism, and providing essential boundaries for responsible decision-making.
  • Extra-Curricular Opportunities: Through our diverse range of extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, students are given the freedom to make choices, encouraging them to explore their interests and passions in a supportive setting.

Mutual Respect

At Finchley Catholic High School, we ensure that all students have rich opportunities to develop and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of mutual respect through a comprehensive approach, which includes:

  • Behaviour Policy: Our school's Behaviour Policy establishes a clear code of conduct and expectations for all students, fostering an environment where mutual respect is a foundational principle.
  • Pastoral Care: An outstanding system of pastoral care, guidance, and support is in place, nurturing a culture of understanding and empathy among students.
  • Teaching and Learning Environment: Our teaching and learning environment is rooted in mutual respect and our Catholic ethos, creating a setting where every individual is valued and respected.
  • Anti-Bullying Culture: A robust anti-bullying culture, supported by a comprehensive Anti-Bullying Policy, reinforces our commitment to cultivating an atmosphere of respect and tolerance.
  • Rewards, Recognition, and Sanctions: A comprehensive system of rewards, recognition, and sanctions underscores the importance of mutual respect, encouraging positive behaviour and discouraging actions that undermine respect.
  • Expressive Curriculum: Our curriculum is designed to provide students with opportunities to express their views in a safe environment where diverse thoughts and answers are acknowledged and respected.
  • PSHE and Citizenship Curriculum: The PSHE and Citizenship curriculum, including Sex and Relationship Education, instils values of mutual respect, emphasising the importance of understanding and respecting differences.
  • Ethos-Based Assemblies and Acts of Worship: School assemblies and Acts of Worship, grounded in our ethos, provide regular opportunities for reflection and reinforcement of the principles of mutual respect.
  • Student Leaders: Our Peer Mentors, Prefects, House Representatives, Sports Leaders, and Equality and Diversity Representatives play a pivotal role in promoting mutual respect among students throughout the school community, exemplifying the values we uphold.

Tolerance of different beliefs, cultures and faiths

At Finchley Catholic High School, we ensure that all students have ample opportunities to develop and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of tolerance toward different beliefs, cultures, and faiths through a diverse range of initiatives, including:

  • Religious Education Curriculum: The Religious Education curriculum, including Core RE in the Sixth Form, ensures a compulsory and comprehensive education on a range of faiths, religions, and cultures, promoting a deep understanding of diversity.
  • Spiritual Development: Our comprehensive PSHE and Citizenship curriculum plays a crucial role in fostering spiritual development, encouraging students to explore diverse perspectives and appreciate the richness of cultural diversity.
  • Ethos-Based Assemblies and Acts of Worship: Regular school assemblies and Acts of Worship, deeply rooted in our ethos, serve as occasions for reflection and reinforcement of the principles of mutual respect and tolerance.
  • Celebration of Faith: Students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school environment, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where various traditions and celebrations are embraced throughout the year.
  • Cultural Exposure: Students experience a wide variety of cultures through curriculum themes, assemblies, and an annual cultural/ international day, providing immersive experiences that contribute to tolerance and appreciation of differences.
  • Sportsmanship and Fair Play: Sporting and House competitions are structured to instil 'fair play' and cultivate a 'team spirit,' emphasising the values of tolerance, respect, and understanding in competitive settings.
  • Community Engagement: Establishing links with other local and national bodies, including other schools, community partners and parishes, facilitates a broader understanding of different beliefs and cultures, fostering a sense of interconnectedness within a wider community.
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