Christian Values

As a Church of England school, our Christian Values are at the heart of everything we do. Throughout the year, we place a particular focus on one value at a time, helping children develop a deeper understanding of what it means and how it can be lived out in everyday life. These values are displayed throughout our school and classrooms and are regularly referenced in lessons, conversations and daily experiences, enabling children to make meaningful connections between the values and their own lives.

Our Christian Values also form the foundation of our behaviour policy. They provide a consistent framework for discussing behaviour, celebrating positive choices and helping children understand the impact of their actions. By reflecting on our shared values, children are supported in making thoughtful decisions both in school and beyond.

Our Christian Values  are central to our school vision and were developed collaboratively by teachers, staff, governors and pupils and have continued to evolve as an integral part of school life. Rooted in biblical teaching, they help children explore the teachings of Jesus and understand how these timeless values can guide them in becoming compassionate, respectful and responsible members of an ever-changing world. 

At St Marys’ C of E Primary School, we have six Christian values which are at the heart of school life. These are:

1. Courage ‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me’ Philippians 4:13

2. Compassion ‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.’ Matthew 25:35 

3. Forgiveness  ‘Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive others’ Colossians 3:13

4. Justice and Equity  ‘Learn to do right.  Seek justice’

5. Respect ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you’ Matthew 7:12

6. Thankfulness ‘Always be thankful’ 1 Thessalonians 5:16

 

Church Values within our Curriculum 

Our curriculum has been carefully designed to be broad and diverse, giving children opportunities to explore, appreciate and develop an understanding of the wider world beyond Bitteswell and Lutterworth. Across our lessons, pupils are encouraged to recognise and reflect on how our school values of courage, compassion, forgiveness, justice, respect and thankfulness are demonstrated in their learning, relationships and everyday experiences.

Alongside our school values, we also explore the wider Christian values that underpin our school's ethos. These values are woven throughout the curriculum and discussed regularly, helping children to consider how they can be lived out in both school and the wider community. Examples include:

The Proudest Blue (KS1-Year 1) Justice – Recognising unfairness, challenging prejudice and promoting equality. Peace – Encouraging understanding between different communities and celebrating diversity rather than fearing it.

Coming to England (KS1- Year 2) Perseverance – Continuing to be hopeful and determined despite setbacks, prejudice and difficulties. Love – Demonstrating care, kindness and acceptance towards others, reflecting Jesus' command to "love your neighbour."

 

The Pebble in My Pocket (KS2- Year 3) Stewardship – Caring for God's creation and recognising our responsibility to protect the environment.Thankfulness – Appreciating the beauty, diversity and wonder of the natural world. Awe and Wonder – Reflecting on the magnificence of creation and the incredible story of our planet.

Varjak Paw (KS2- Year 4)- Humility – Recognising that true strength comes from learning, listening and serving others rather than seeking power. Wisdom – Using knowledge and experience to make thoughtful decisions, as Varjak learns the Way of Jal. Responsibility – Accepting the consequences of decisions and using talents to help others.

Shackleton’s Journey (KS2 Year 5) Service – Putting the needs and wellbeing of others before your own. Trust – Having confidence in others and working together towards a shared goal. Perseverance – Continuing despite setbacks, hardship and disappointment.

 

All Aboard the Empire Windrush (KS2-Year 6) Community & Thankfulness – Appreciating and valuing the contribution that the Windrush generation has made to British society, particularly their fight for a more just and fairer society. Courage – Beginning a new life in an unfamiliar country and facing challenges with resilience. Compassion – Showing empathy towards those who experience discrimination or hardship. Justice – Recognising unfairness and promoting equality, inclusion and fairness for all.