The impact of a school’s values on pupil achievement, personal development and well-being
Some Examples:
Thankfulness
Thankfulness has always been at the centre of the life and worship of God’s people. The story of the 10 lepers in Luke reminds us that thankfulness is important.
Thankful people are joyful people and feel good about themselves. It enables staff and pupils to work together better and makes for a happy and supportive school community which in turn leads to more effective learning.
Justice
Christian justice is about protecting those that are least able to protect themselves. It is about a community where the achievement and welfare of each individual is bound up with the achievement and welfare of everyone else. It is not a culture which encourages everyone to insist on their rights at the expense of others. It is about striving for excellence for all and especially those who are most vulnerable.
Throughout the Bible, justice is seen as being immensely important to God. It is fundamental to his character, “For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see His face.” – Psalm 11:7
Endurance
Jesus looked to His disciples to sustain Him by watching and praying with Him – Matthew 26. Pupils look to their teacher to help them persevere and endure when things become difficult.
At its root, endurance is recognition that life is sometimes difficult and painful, and that it is important not to give up in the face of adversity. Pupils’ ability to endure can be sustained by the enduring nature of God’s love.
Forgiveness
When forgiveness is given sincerely and accepted with repentance it can be truly liberating. Jesus was uncompromising in his command to forgive. Forgiveness can be costly to all involved. Once our pupils understand that, forgiveness can be truly liberating; enabling both the forgiver and the forgiven to move on. Children who know that they are truly forgiven are more likely to be at peace with themselves and to flourish.
Jesus was uncompromising in His command to forgive, “Seventy times seven,” - Matthew 18:21. “Forgive us our sins as wealso forgive everyone who sins against us,” – Luke 11:4
Wisdom
Pupil attitudes and learning are more likely to be positive if they recognise the wisdom of their elders as this will lead to respect. It will be helpful to pupils if they can recognise that true wisdom is different to ‘being clever’. The wise person recognises their own limitations, trusts in God and understands that there is more to life than may be seen on the surface.
In biblical terms, Christ’s sacrificial life and his teaching about love and humility may appear foolish by the world’s standards but, in reality, it expresses the wisdom of God.
Trust
When relationships within school are based on trust then it creates an ethos which is conducive to effective learning. In a society where mistrust in authority is commonplace, church schools often generate mutual trust between all members of the community. Trust is foundational to a successful school community.
Trust is an essential ingredient of Christian leadership; allowing leaders to ‘let go of the reins’ and empower both adults and children to take on responsibility. Allowing pupils to ‘drive’ the Christian character of a school can have a transformative effect. Jesus entrusted his ongoing work to his disciples and ultimately to us.
Service
The life and teaching of Jesus turned people’s notions of leadership on their head. This kind of relationship, with the teacher as servant of the pupil, gives fresh impetus to the way in which pupils are supported.
However, the Christian message is clear that service is not all about restrictions. It is precisely in a life of service that we all become most truly free and therefor able to reach our potential.
Koinonia
It is about the quality of relationships within a Christian community. The combined strength of the community supports the pupils in doing their best. A Christian community should support all who are in need helping them to do their best.
Schools recognise the importance of pupils feeling that they belong to a family. Each member of the body shares the joys and sufferings of the others and each depends on everyone else. This leads to a school ethos in which pupils are able to make the most of their opportunities.
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