Theological roots of our school vision

Our school vision has been developed, amended and altered over nearly two decades and has involved the input of staff, children, parents, Governors and a range of other school stakeholders. We thought deeply about what we value and what values we want to pass on to the children and how these link to the teachings of the Bible.

We consider our vision to be a strong, honest, thoughtful declaration of what we believe, how we conduct ourselves and what we aim to achieve with our education.

We can trace the theological roots of our vision as follows:

Tolerance

We encourage our children to be tolerant of each other (even though it can sometimes be very difficult), to listen to what each child has to say, to take account of other children’s thoughts, ideas and feelings and to accept that people think, behave and act in different ways.

Bear with each other, be tolerant, and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

Reconciliation

One of the most important lessons we teach our children is to reconcile the disagreements and disputes that naturally occur in school in a fair, thoughtful and caring way.

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High.  Luke 6:35

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  The Lord’s Prayer (King James version)

Patience

We aim to teach our children to be patient, to understand that waiting, taking turns and letting others go first is important. Prudentius told us that patience is a virtue and we agree.

Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.   James 1:3

Love

Love is powerful. Our children learn that we should love our friends, families and school mates and that to love and to be loved are vital for our happiness.

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. John 3:18

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.   1 Corinthians 13:4

Respect

Our Respect Policy aims to encapsulate the meaning of respect, though we all agree it is hard to define. We believe it is about caring for each other, being considerate and that we should aim to treat people the way we like to be treated ourselves.

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.   Psalm 86:12

So, whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.   Matthew 7:12

Community

Our school is a close, friendly, kindly community, almost like a family. We look out for each other, help each other when we can and accept help when it is offered. Helen Keller said that alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much and an old African proverb states that if you want to go quickly, go alone: if you want to go far, go together.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ.   Galatians 6:2

All of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.   Peter 3:8

Peace

We aim to enable our children to develop a peaceful, informed and knowledgeable state of being. If we are at peace with ourselves we are better placed to help others and be good, honest, decent people.

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.   Psalm 119:165

Belonging

We acknowledge the importance of belonging. All our children can feel safe and happy in our school because it is where they belong. Mother Theresa said that if we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20