Our Christian Values
Our six core values were carefully chosen by governors, staff, parents and children to support us on our vision journey of unlocking possibilities and making a difference. All in school recognise their significance and impact on fostering a peaceful, stimulating, spiritual environment. Read on to find out more about our Christian values, and the children’s ideas on how to display them at home, school, in the community and the wider world to unlock possibilities and make a difference.
The wonderful drawings and scripture research you see were completed by children during Vision and Values day in October 2022. The ideas of how we show these values in our daily life have been compiled by staff and children in school.
Perseverance
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Hebrews 12: 1-2
St Paul described life as a ‘race’, in which perseverance is a skill most needed. Throughout life there will ups and downs, good times and bad times and Christians believe both God’s strength and human perseverance can see us through all of life’s trials and tribulations. When things seem too tricky to conquer, God will be there for us, never giving up on the human race.
How do we demonstrate our value of perseverance?
To ourselves
- Never giving up on something that’s important to us. Great things take time.
- Setting manageable goals
- Practising mindfulness and stilling to refocus
In our community
- Utilising the help of others when things get tricky
In the wider world
- Not being phased by big projects, we’re never too small to make a difference
Compassion
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God has forgiven you
Ephesians 4:32
Many of Jesus’s acts were prompted by his compassion for people’s suffering. Compassion is about more than just kindness – it’s about walking in the shoes of those who are suffering and feeling compelled to act, to make a difference in the lives of others. We show true compassion when we are altruistic, like the Good Samaritan who helped another in need, despite the conflict at that time.
How do we demonstrate our value of compassion?
To ourselves
- Encouraging and loving yourself
- Not being too hard on yourself when you’re finding things tough
- Making time for yourself and treating yourself
In our community
- Completing random acts of kindness for those you know and those you don’t if it’s safe
- Talking to people about how they are feeling if they want to
- Putting yourself in others’ shoes and thinking about how they might be feeling
- Treating others as we would wish to be treated
- Looking out for others on the playground and speaking out if you see injustice
- Giving up your time to help a friend in need
In the wider world
- Getting involved in social action projects
- Challenging injustice in the world and be the change you want to see
- Praying for those who need it.
Peace
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.
Colossians 3:15
The word peace is derived from the original Latin word pax which means a pact - an agreement to end any dispute and conflict. This conflict could be with ourselves, with others or it could refer to a conflict in the wider world that we feel strongly about, and are inspired to speak out about, potentially making a positive change.
How do we demonstrate our value of peace?
To ourselves
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Practising mindfulness
- Making time to rest/ self care
- Celebrating our strengths and uniqueness!
- Doing what we enjoy
To our community
- Being kind
- Helping others in need
- Making good behaviour choices
- Resolving disagreements fairly
To the wider world
- Donating to charities
- Getting involved in fundraising events
- Treating all others how we would want to be treated
Courage
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
‘Having courage’ or the ‘strength to carry on’ is linked to God’s promises of His presence, protection and power. Christians recognise that human courage is sometimes not enough and that they often need the assurance of God’s help and presence. Whatever we go through we can be sure that God is always with us. When we encounter things that challenge or scare us, we can put our trust in God and remember that we can do all things through His strength.
We were all created in the image of God – all unique, valued and valuable and Christians believe that we should treat each other as so, supporting and loving each other as neighbours. When we encourage others, we are helping them to find courage.
How do we demonstrate our value of courage?
For ourselves
- Trying something new for the first time
- Taking responsibility and accountability
- Stepping out of our comfort zone
- Asking for help when we need it
- Being ourselves, as God intended, even if it means being different those around us
For our community
- Standing up for others in the playground and community
- Using our voice to speak for what it right
For the wider world
- Taking on social action projects that may seem insurmountable
Service
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms
Peter 4:10
Words relating to ‘service’ appear 209 times in the bible and Jesus is well known as a servant of the people. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper which turned upside down the relationship between a leader and his followers. It was Jesus’ way of setting an example, encouraging others to do as he had done.
How do we demonstrate our value of service?
To ourselves and our family
- Helping at home with the chores
- Making a cup of tea for a family member
To the community
- Letting someone go in the line/ queue before us.
- Holding doors open and letting people go first.
To the wider world
- Recycling as much as we can
- Picking up any litter we see, and making sure it goes in the bin
- Creating posters encouraging others to look after the world
- Serving God – doing good in the world
Unity
For the body does not consist of one member but of many
Corinthians 12:14
Paul said that all parts of the body are valuable, just like how all of God’s people are valuable, made in the image of Him. We are all part of one human race, and this unites us all around the world. Humans are part of God’s creation and Christians believe it is one of our responsibilities as stewards of the earth to support and encourage one another, working together in unity to ensure the world is as God intended. At school we show unity in our diversity and know that teamwork can help us to achieve amazing things.
How do we demonstrate our value of unity?
For ourselves
- Being a team player
- Looking out for and supporting others around us
In the community
- Getting to know our neighbours
In the wider world
- Utilising the knowledge, skills and help of others when taking on large social action projects
