St Simon Stock Catholic School promotes the British values of; democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. As a Catholic School we recognise the opportunity these values present not only enabling our students to live out their Gospel beliefs, but also to prepare them for adult life in a multicultural, multi-ethnic Britain and world. In partnership with home and parishes we strive to develop a Christian community in which the Gospel values of love, reconciliation, justice and equality are fostered and to “Love one another as I have loved you”. At St Simon Stock, we endeavour to promote the above values through the whole school in a variety of ways.

Across the curriculum, students have the opportunity to develop the skills to access/share information they need to make informed decisions which are mindful of British values and the impact this information has to undermine these values. In some specific subject areas British values will be developed and explicitly expressed, while in others it will be permeated through our school ethos.

Democracy and the Rule of Law

St Simon Stock Catholic School promotes Democracy and the Rule of Law through:

• School Council and Form and House Captain elections, where prospective candidates have to articulate how they will serve the student body. Both students and staff vote in these elections.
• Our annual Pride Awards where staff and students can nominate anyone in the school community for their contributions to the school and community.
• Students gain an in depth understanding of the importance of democracy through their Humanities studies, which follows the development of democracy and the rule of law in Britain from Medieval times to the 21st Century.
• In RE students will develop a greater understanding of religious diversity and practice with the emphasis on Gospel aims and Values underpinning all religious values and groups. The RE curriculum also covers crime, punishment and reconciliation.
• The school’s Behaviour Policy uses clear rewards and sanctions when appropriate and students are always made aware of the reasons for sanctions, ultimately to prepare our young people for adult life.
• The school works in close partnership with our local Police Community Support Officer and other outside agencies including the Inclusion Service.
• Specific religious issues and major democratic themes are promoted within Personal Development and Wellbeing (PDW) sessions, Collective Worship and Assembly. These allow the sharing of stories, images, events and music which promotes British values and our place in the world and our responsibility to each other and the world.
• The PDW curriculum includes specific teaching on; UK Political Parties, which includes a mock election, How Political Power Is Distributed, How The UK Is Governed, Britain And The Wider World and The UK Legal System.
• Staff and Governors receive ongoing training to aid their teaching of British Values. This includes safeguarding training, training on the Equality Act and training on Special Educational Needs and disabilities. Staff also receive training on how to deliver Personal Development and Wellbeing sessions.

Individual Liberty and Responsibility to the Wider Society

St Simon Stock Catholic School promotes Individual Liberty and Responsibility to the Wider Society through:

• The school has very high expectations with regards to behaviour both in and outside of school.
• There are very few incidences of racist, sexist or homophobic, biphobic or transphobic bullying. Any issues reported are dealt with swiftly and by senior members of staff.
• School expectations are reinforced through assemblies and by the actions of staff, i.e. all staff participate in duty after school and in addressing any incidences of inappropriate behaviour.
• Social responsibility is a recurring theme throughout all curriculum subjects such as Geography.
• The PDW curriculum includes specific teaching on; Legal Rights and Police Authority, Responsibilities Of Living In a Community, How Students Can Contribute To Their Community, Reflection On Their Rights And Responsibilities, Ethical Consumerism and Employees’ Rights And Responsibilities.
• Having Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, Young Interpreters, Peer Mentors, Student Voice Board, Digital Leaders, Form Captains, House Captains, Prefect Team and Head Boy and Girl/Senior Prefect Team.
• Sixth Form Community Service Programme.
• Fundraising activities held throughout the year including; Lenten Alms, Children in Need and for our House charities.
• Student Kent Youth Parliament, with one member elected.
• Performance nights with music and dance.
• Whole School Enrichment days.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

St Simon Stock Catholic School promotes Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs through:

• At the very heart of the Christian message, is the love of all humankind without exception. This central theme is reiterated through our school ethos, and our school moto encourages students to ‘Work With Love’.
• Students are taught about the other great world religions in RE.
• A wide variety of different literary cultures are celebrated in English.
• The school is open to students of any or no faith and whilst they are invited to participate in all school community activities, there is no expectation that they should participate in any activities that conflict with their own beliefs.
• The PDW curriculum includes specific teaching on; Equality, Diversity and Human Rights and the Ethnic Make-Up of the UK.

The school ensures that not only are our students aware of their British heritage, but that they are also outward looking people who are able to engage with the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and pluralistic society of Britain and beyond. This is reinforced by student participation in events organised by our Christian Youth Worker and our educational visits programme.