British Values Statement
Children are encouraged to look outwards, to those around them who face challenges, and to act as the hands and feet of Jesus in ways which can bring change and can improve challenging situations. Our school is particularly proud of the open and courageous way, inspired by our school leadership, which our children advocate for equality of love and relationships. We actively and passionately advocate tackling racism with direct teaching and explicit activities and discussion. Our children can courageously articulate how our actions can bring light and hope to people facing difficulties or prejudices.
We teach our children about British values throughout the school year, taking advantage of events in the news and our curriculum to help them become modern citizens. The DfE has 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, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs’
At St Mary’s Cockerton Primary school we have reflected on what ‘British Values’ means to us and agree that our mission statement and ethos encompasses and promotes all that is expected and to which we aspire everyday. We want our school community to be proud of, and value, where they come from and have a shared understanding of what it means to live and learn in Britain. We seek to nurture this in all we do and ensure that we actively promote mutual respect and value of every person. We believe our Christian mission leads us to understand British Values alongside our Christian Values:
- Democracy
- Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance
- Compassion
- Forgiveness
- Hope
- Thankfulness
- Wisdom
- Trust
We endeavour to provide a rich curriculum and learning opportunities to enable all pupils to better understand and live according to the values of our nation and, therefore, contribute to our society and the world community as a whole. Moreover, in our caring, Christian community, we seek to nurture the spiritual and moral self in every individual, so that they can fulfil their true potential, valuing themselves and others, in all they do. Through prayer, school rules, worship, work, and play, we build upon our welcoming Christian ethos, promoting a culture of respect and love for people, from all backgrounds.
We do this by:
- Having a coherent set of school rules, which are referred to consistently throughout school in all activities, with a clear consequence and reward system
- Encouraging pupil to make decisions on a micro (self) and macro (whole class/school) level, not least with regards to behaviour
- Promoting a specific Christian value each term, giving pupils a focus of how to respect themselves and others
- Charitable works, such as fundraising for different charities, chosen by the children, and contributing to national awareness days.
- Education about, and tolerance of, our own faith, and the faiths of others, with ‘real’ experiences and opportunities to explore religion and beliefs
- Teaching the children to look after themselves and others through E-Safety, anti-racism and anti-bullying days
- Opportunities to make democratic decisions, such as our School Council members
- Strong links with local PCSOs, police, firefighters, and other key figures in the community
- Celebrating our British Heritage and other local historical events
In this way, through celebration of diversity and promotion of respect for all, we believe our pupils value themselves, others, and the world around them, living out their own Christian vocation, as well as according to the values of principles of our nation.
Our whole school approach very much involves a very close partnership with parents and carers. Children, families and all staff are proud of what it means to be a member of our school community and show this through the following statement, ‘This is how we do it here’.
Today Year 6 attended a very moving Leavers' Service at Durham Cathedral.
They enjoyed the various prayer stations and joined in with the children from Church of England schools across the Diocese to celebrate their time in primary and think about the next stage of their educational journey.
As always, their behaviour was exemplary and they were wonderful ambassadors for our school. ... See MoreSee Less
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As part of our celebration of Pride Month, we have set ourselves the challenge of completing a Pride jigsaw before the end of the month. Groups of children are coming down at playtimes and are doing a great job but with 500 pieces we have a long way to go!! ... See MoreSee Less
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🦋☀️ When they returned to school yesterday it was obvious that Reception had had a fantastic day at Butterfly World and Preston Park ☀️🦋
Miss Clarke summarised the day as follows:
'Our day began at Butterfly World, where the children took part in an exciting workshop all about the life cycle of a butterfly. They listened beautifully to our guide and impressed everyone with their enthusiasm and thoughtful questions. The children had some incredible hands-on experiences, including holding a caterpillar, examining butterfly eggs (which one butterfly seemed very keen on laying on Mrs Carter today!), and feeling a chrysalis, which was surprisingly hard. The highlight for many was holding a butterfly that had only recently emerged from its chrysalis. Seeing these different stages of the life cycle up close brought our learning to life and sparked lots of curiosity and wonder.
Our adventure didn't stop there! We also met a blue-tongued skink, explored the reptile exhibits and spent time watching the ever-popular meerkats.
After a busy morning of learning, we headed to Preston Park for lunch and some well-earned playtime. The children loved exploring the playground and demonstrated fantastic gross motor skills as they climbed, balanced and slid. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they challenged themselves and encouraged their friends.
Throughout the day, the children were an absolute credit to our school. Their behaviour was exceptional from start to finish. They were polite, respectful, inquisitive and kind, listening carefully, following instructions and engaging brilliantly with everyone they met. We received several compliments about how well-behaved they were, and I could not have been prouder of them.
Days like today are what make Reception so special. It has been a real privilege to watch the children learn, explore, laugh and make memories together. They embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and left us all with plenty of reasons to smile.
I have a feeling there will be some very tired Reception children tonight... and perhaps a few tired adults too! 😴💤
Thank you for your support in helping to make days like this possible. We have had a truly wonderful day and made memories that I am sure the children will be talking about for a long time to come. 🦋😊🌳' ... See MoreSee Less
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Here are some wonderful photos of Year 6's trip to the Faith Museum in Bishop Auckland. It's a truly fascinating place in such a beautiful setting. ... See MoreSee Less
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Year 5 and 6 had a fantastic trip to Auckland Castle and the Faith Museum today, learning about the history of Christianity in the north east through handling artefacts and experiencing the rooms that the Prince Bishops have used over centuries in the castle! ... See MoreSee Less
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Some more wonderful photos from this very special event ... See MoreSee Less
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Huge congratulations to our Year 4 Girls Football Team who won today's tournament at St John's CE Academy Darlington in association with FC Darlington Locomotives. It was a wonderful afternoon with teams from all the schools playing brilliantly! ... See MoreSee Less
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Our Year 6 choir had the great honour of taking part in the Bishop of Durham and Darlington Sword ceremony earlier today.
This ceremony takes place each time a new Bishop of Durham enters the Diocese and dates back to medieval times. The sword (the Conyers Falchion) dates from the 13th century and is said to have been used by Sir John Conyers to slay the Sockburn Worm, a monstrous dragon-like creature said to have terrorised the area around Sockburn, Darlington.
The ceremony took place on the banks of the River Tees in Hurworth where the Bishop of Durham was presented with the falchion.
As part of the ceremony, our children sang, ‘Let There be Peace on Earth’ after which the Bishop was introduced to the dignitaries present which included: The Macebearer, The Mayor, Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff, the Mayor’s Chaplain, the Priest in Charge, the Area Dean (Father Damon), the Leader of the Council, Freeman / Freewomen of the Borough, the Mayor’s Escort and Hurworth Ward Councillors
The details of this traditional ceremony can be found by following this link: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/explore/treasures-collections/our-most-famous-items/the-conyers-falchion
The children sang beautifully and were complimented by all present on what a moving contribution they made to such an important ceremony. ... See MoreSee Less
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