Aims and Values

Our Aims

Within a caring, stimulating and learning environment we aim to encourage children to achieve their full potential.

They will be prepared academically, creatively, physically, socially, culturally and spiritually for the future by…

• Enabling developing minds to think and work creatively, critically and reflectively.
• Empowering pupils to reflect on the values needed for them to take responsibility for the future and their place in it, by developing personal integrity, patience, tolerance, understanding and well-being.
• Encouraging creativity, imagination, improvisation, confidence in risk taking and a thirst for new ideas and understanding.
• Extending learning opportunities both in and beyond the classroom and developing an understanding of life-long learning.
• Equipping pupils with the necessary skills and knowledge for a fast changing world and encourage the willingness to adapt to change.
• Ensuring a basic entitlement to effective learning opportunities and an enjoyment of learning for all.
• Enjoying a fullness of life through our faith in Jesus Christ and an appreciation and celebration of the impact of God’s message through other faiths and cultures.

British Values

As of November 2014, the DFE reiterated the message that schools must promote British values. Advice from the DfE is to do this through SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural development), although Ofsted will assess it through the curriculum too. Ofsted wants to see a school ethos and climate that promotes ‘British values’ at every level. Inspectors will assess ‘British values’ through SMSC, the curriculum and school leadership.

“We are proud that Catholic schools promote values that are both Catholic and British, including: respect for the individual, democracy, individual liberty, respect, tolerance and inclusiveness. Our schools promote cohesion by serving more ethnically diverse and poorer communities. Catholic schools provide high standards of education which are popular with parents from all social, economic and faith backgrounds.” Paul Barber (Catholic Education Service 15 December 2014).

According to Ofsted, ‘fundamental British values’ are:

• democracy;
• the rule of law;
• individual liberty;
• mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.

More information on how English Martyrs School promotes British Values in our policy found on our Policies and Documents page.