--- title: "Protected Characteristics" url: "https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/curriculum/protected-characteristics" school: "St. Mary's Catholic Primary School" --- Admissions Consultation BHCET schools in County Durham [Click Here](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/our-school/admissions-consultation) **Tel:** 01325 300339 **Email:** office@stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk # Protected Characteristics ### Protected Characteristics At our school, where our mission is "Called by God," we are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all. The protected characteristics, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010, include: - **Age**: Respecting and valuing people of all ages. - **Disability**: Supporting and including people with different abilities. - **Gender Reassignment**: Respecting people who change their gender. - **Marriage and Civil Partnership**: Valuing all types of committed relationships. - **Pregnancy and Maternity**: Supporting people who are expecting a baby or have recently had one. - **Race**: Celebrating and respecting people from all ethnic backgrounds. - **Religion or Belief**: Respecting different religions and beliefs. - **Sex**: Treating boys and girls equally. - **Sexual Orientation**: Respecting and valuing people who love others of the same or different gender. These characteristics are integral to our values and are taught through our behaviour policy of being ready, respectful, and responsible, as well as through our PSHE curriculum. By promoting understanding and respect for these characteristics, we aim to create a supportive and welcoming community for everyone. ### Picture News We also engage our students in discussions about current affairs through **Picture News**. This resource brings the latest news stories to life in the classroom, encouraging children to talk about and understand the world around them. Each week, Picture News provides thought-provoking stories and creative resources that inspire curiosity and critical thinking. ### Picture news example picture news prayer 64 Bytes [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-durham-2) Picture news example 3.21 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-durham-2/files/documents/Picture_News_Prayer_-_24th_February_-_Judging_Others.pptx) ### PARENTS & PUPILS - [Our School](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/term-dates) - [Key Documents](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/key-information/policies) - [News](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/news) - [Curriculum](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/curriculum/curriculum-subjects) - [Curriculum and Culture](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/curriculum/curriculum-and-culture) - [Curriculum Subjects](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/curriculum/curriculum-subjects) - [Long Term Learning](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/curriculum/long-term-learning) - [EYFS](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/curriculum/eyfs) - [Remote Learning](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/learning/remote-learning) - [British Values](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/catholic-life/british-values) - [Protected Characteristics](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/curriculum/protected-characteristics) - [Golden Threads](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/curriculum/golden-threads) - [Personal Development](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/curriculum/personal-development) ![St. Mary's Catholic Primary School](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-durham-2/images/logo/Bishop_Hogarth_and_Hexham_Logo_new_(1).png) ### St. Mary's Catholic Primary School Central Avenue Newton Aycliffe Co. Durham DL5 5NP 01325 300339 ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/stmaryscatholicprimaryschool/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/stmarys_newtonacyliffe/) ### Translation ### Office 365 [Sign in to Office 365](https://outlook.office.com/) © Copyright 2025–2026 St. Mary's Catholic Primary School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://stmarysna.bhcet.org.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)