We are delighted to announce the establishment of our Pupil Parliament, a significant initiative at our school that empowers our upper Key Stage 2 School Councillors to take an active role in the shaping of our learning environment and community. This initiative not only encourages leadership skills among our pupils but also fosters a sense of responsibility and participation in the democratic processes that underpin our school ethos.

The Pupil Parliament consists of representatives elected from our upper Key Stage 2 class, who will serve as the voice of their peers. These elected councillors will engage with their classmates to gather opinions, suggestions, and concerns, ensuring that every pupil's voice is heard and considered in decisions that affect the student body. This collaborative approach will help to create a nurturing environment where all children feel valued and respected.

In alignment with our school's commitment to promoting the fundamental British Values, the Pupil Parliament will work closely with Mrs Carlile, who is dedicated to facilitating discussions and activities centred around these core principles. Mrs Carlile was lucky enough to spend 3 days in London at the Houses of Parliament learning all about how she can support children and staff in schools in this area.

The five British Values are democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. It is essential that our children not only learn about these values but also understand their significance in everyday life.

Our Pupil Parliament will undertake various initiatives to ensure these values are integrated into the curriculum and school culture. Through structured discussions, interactive workshops, and engaging activities, pupils will explore the meaning of democracy in a practical setting. They will learn the importance of voting and representation, which will be exemplified through their own electoral process for councillors.

Moreover, the Parliament will promote the rule of law by encouraging pupils to follow school rules and understand the rationale behind them. This understanding fosters a sense of security and fairness within the school community. Individual liberty will be celebrated as pupils are encouraged to express their thoughts and opinions, while being reminded of the importance of choosing wisely and respecting others' rights to do the same.

Mutual respect and tolerance will also be cornerstones of the Pupil Parliament's activities. Initiatives aimed at celebrating diversity and understanding differing perspectives will be implemented, fostering an inclusive environment where every child feels comfortable and valued.

As the Pupil Parliament progresses, we anticipate that it will not only enhance our school community but also instil a sense of pride in our pupils as they embrace their roles as active citizens. We are committed to supporting their development as thoughtful, engaged individuals who understand and embody the essence of British Values.

St. Joseph's School is committed to serving its parish and community.  It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom.  It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. St. Joseph's School is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its children.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools.  The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

The five British Values are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

The school uses strategies within the National curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students.   The examples that follow show some of the many ways St. Joseph's School seeks to embed British values.

Democracy

The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at St. Joseph's School, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for Team Captains and School Council Members. The principle of democracy is also explored in Religious Education, PSHCE, History as well as in pastoral conversations and assemblies. 

The rule of law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at St. Joseph's School.  Children are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by the Behaviour for Learning policy and school rules.  Children are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.  Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service reinforce this message.

Individual liberty

At St. Joseph's School, children are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at St. Joseph's School educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. 

Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety and circle time work.

St. Joseph's has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour for Learning Policy.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a strong part of St. Joseph's School and is part of our Mission Statement & Values.  children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.  All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments. 

Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment.  St. Joseph's School strongly believe that the thoughts and answers of all should be respected. 

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

This is achieved though equipping children with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community.  Children benefit from a number of international visitors, including students from other continents and cultures.  Additionally, children are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year.  The Religious Education curriculum, which is compulsory for all students provides an education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures across the Key Stages.

Through our SMSC education which runs across the curriculum, we help children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence; distinguish right from wrong and to respect English law; encourage children to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and contribute positively to society; enable children to acquire a broad general knowledge of, and respect for, English public institutions and services and to appreciate and respect their own and other cultures.

St. Joseph's School strives endlessly to ensure that its children leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our Society.

 

At St. Joseph's RC Academy, we are very lucky that Mrs Carlile, our Headteacher has been trained as a Teacher Parliament Ambassador.  In January 2025, she spent 3 days in London at Parliament and met lots of amazing people. 

The UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador programme is a unique opportunity for teachers with a keen interest in politics and a desire to share this passion with their students. Mrs Carlile successfully navigated the rigorous application process and was invited onto the three-day course, which was held in London. This is why she went and what she did.

1. What is a Parliament Ambassador?

The UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador programme involves a three-day immersive course at the Department for Education. Teachers, applying individually, represent their respective schools and institutions. Through this programme, teachers work towards becoming accredited partners of the UK Parliament Education and Engagement team. They return to their workplaces equipped with the skills to enhance the teaching of British Politics, aiming to boost political engagement amongst pupils.

2. Why did you decide to do it?

Becoming a Teacher Ambassador is something I have always wanted to do.  It is so important that children have a voice and are heard and are ready and prepared for life after school. 

3. What did you have to do to become one?

I underwent a significant written application process. My application was successful as a representative of the Romero CAT. Applications were submitted from thousands of candidates nationwide. 

4. What does this mean for the school?

As a Teacher Ambassador, I will enhance the skills of my colleagues through dedicated professional development sessions, sharing insights gained from the programme. Additionally, I plan to organise teacher training through the Romero CAT.

I got to visit both the House of Lords and the House of Commons - both are beautiful rooms full of history.

I got to meet with my last school's MP - Oliver Ryan. 

 

The Speaker 

During my 3 days at Parliament, I got to meet some interesting and important people. One of them was Sir Lyndsay Hoyle, The Speaker of the House of Commons and The Lord Speaker from the House of Lords. Both talked to us about their roles with the Houses of Parliament.

 

The Lord Speaker

 I also got to go and sit in a Select Committee which was led by Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP.  You can see me sat on the back row!