Democracy
Our pupils are encouraged to debate and discuss topics of interest during their lessons and form time, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Pupils also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys that are done regularly in school.
We have an active and enthusiastic school council whose members are elected by their peers. The school Council on behalf of the pupils always try to contribute to school improvements.
The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies, form times and special days.
Where possible, significant events at local, national and international level are discussed during form time during the PSHCE, character and Votes for school lessons.
- Classroom Activities: school council, election of the student council representatives, weekly Votes for School debates and votes
- School Wide Initiatives: school council, advent and easter fundraising. GIFT Team Caritas
- Enrichment: trips to local counsellor and MPs offices. Political correspondent
Rule of law
At St Monica’s we have a consistently applied set of school values and rules that are designed to emphasise and reward positive behaviour.
School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted during assemblies.
Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and during social times
Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and we regularly have visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Greater Manchester transport etc. to help reinforce this message.
Our Behaviour framework and Anti-Bullying policy set out a zero-tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence.
- Classroom Activities: weekly votes for school debates
- School-Wide Initiatives: school behaviour framework, 5 cores values and 5Ps, always student of the week
- Enrichment: external speakers from local businesses, Greater Manchester police and the local authority
Individual liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and action and our pastoral team reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching during the Computer Science and PSHE lessons.
Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents on CPOMS.
Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g., Lead pupils, Prefects, Sports Leaders, Caritas ambassadors, Peer Defenders and Mentor.
- Classroom Activities: Various assemblies on Black History month, Martin Luther King Day, history and RE lessons, Holocaust memorial.
- On line safety day / LA be safe be cool
- School-Wide Initiatives: Peer defenders, Peer reading support,
- Variety of extra curriculum activities
- Enrichment: Involvement in various Comino projects
Mutual respect and Tolerance
Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs is taught in the RE Curriculum and during the cultural celebration weeks.
Respect is always promoted in our school. It is also a core value of all the different faith communities represented in school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
Our Multi faith room is also opened for all our pupils.
Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour and language.
Through the PSHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations. The equality Act 2010 and the protected characteristics are shared every year with the pupils during the PSHCE lessons.
Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE lessons
We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our curriculum topics. These curriculum topics offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values.
- Classroom Activities: Anti-bullying week, Black history week.
- School-Wide Initiatives: Cultural celebration weeks, peer mentoring
- Enrichment: Multi faith room, Holocaust survivor talk etc…
Our commitment to the Prevent Strategy
St Monica’s is committed to and aware of our responsibilities towards the government’s Prevent Strategy as part of our ongoing work regarding Safeguarding and Child Protection. All staff have received Prevent training and understand about and how to deal with any anti-extremism/radicalisation issues they may see inside or outside school.
