Christian Values

Schools and teachers are a major influence on the developing values of children and young people. Children learn values at school from relationships; everyday classroom interactions from the examples set by adults; and, from more formal attempts led by teachers to engage in values education.

Meaning, ethics and vision must shape the practice of education and as a church school we have the responsibility to ground our values in the teachings of the Christian Faith. It is our Christian tradition which gives our values content and the stories we share with children the values' moral substance.

We select 3 Values over the course of the school year to focus on. However, all the values underpin everything we do at Finstock Church of England Primary School and no one value is ever isolated from the others. 

Our Christian Values work within our foundations to help us fulfil our Vision (Providing all children with the highest level of academic curriculum and pastoral care, with opportunities for spiritual growth and intellectual enquiry.) and live out our Mission Statement (Excellence through faith, friendship, courage and respect.) 

 

The Teaching of Values at Finstock Church of England Primary School

These values are ones that are shared by many people in this country because the Christian faith has for centuries been a driving force in our education and legal system and those values have made their mark on our history.

We actively teach our values in all we do. They are the focus of our Collective Worships and our Class Reflection time. They help us develop our strong ethos.

Whilst Finstock Church of England Primary School is a Christian school, we strongly encourage our pupils to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance.

This term's value is Generosity 

Acts  20:35:  Remember  the  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  how  he  himself  said,  it  is  more   blessed  to  give  than  to  receive.

2  Corinthians  9.7:  God  loves  a  cheerful  giver

Spiritual

Jesus lived a life devoted to serving God and others, sometimes at great cost to himself. He taught that if we hold our money and possessions too tightly and use them only for ourselves, they will prevent us from knowing God's blessing. We teach that happiness does not necessarily increase with the number of material possessions we acquire.

Moral

Following the example of Jesus, we explore together the Christian understanding that all we have comes from God as a ‘gift’. These gifts, whether money, possessions, time, or abilities, are given in trust so that they may be used for the benefit of all in our school and in the wider community.

Social

As a community, we seek to create relationships characterized by a generosity of spirit, believing that, given a nurturing environment, each individual can flourish, achieve their full potential, and contribute positively to society.

Cultural

As a Church of England school, we seek to explore the lives of individuals such as Lord Shaftesbury and George Müller, who exemplified a joy in giving and who shaped the politics, culture, and values of modern Britain.

Last term's value was Repect

Mark 10.14: Let the children come to me (Mark 10. 14)

Matthew 10.29: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care.

Spiritual

esus valued every person equally regardless of status, gender or wealth. He showed a particular bias to those who were poor, in need or at the margins of society at that time. At our school we explore the Christian teaching that every child and adult is made in God's image and is uniquely precious and worthy of respect and kindness.

Moral

Following Jesus' teaching and attitude towards children, our school values every child equally and is proactive about ensuring that no individual is disadvantaged or treated differently due to their social background, gender, sexual orientation or cultural or religious background. We equip children with the skills to recognise prejudice in the media or in the political process. We encourage all within our community to learn about and engage with our nation's democratic processes both locally and nationally to help to support, protect and sustain for the future the respect due to every citizen.

Social

As a community whose life is founded upon Christian values, we do not merely tolerate difference and diversity, we actively celebrate the uniqueness of all individuals. Whilst it may not always be possible to respect the opinions of every member (e.g. if they are sexist, homophobic or racist) we do respect the individual and their right to hold views that are different from our own.

Cultural

As a Church of England school, we strive to create a culture that is characterised by openness, empathy and respect. We try to foster humility and thankfulness in our relationships with one another and the natural world. We continually strive to improve our understanding of different faiths and cultural diversity, celebrating the richness of experience and beliefs represented in British society.