At St Mary’s, our Christian vision is at the heart of everything we do. Inspired by the Parable of the Sower, we seek to ground our children in the teachings of Jesus so that they can grow in Love, Faith, Respect, Perseverance and Service, flourishing in their learning and giving back to their communities.

Our values complement the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We do not teach these values as something separate from school life; they are woven through our curriculum, relationships, worship, behaviour and our work with families and the wider community.

 

Democracy

We encourage every child to understand that their voice matters and that listening to the views of others is equally important. Children have opportunities to make choices, express their opinions, take on responsibilities and contribute to decisions within school.

Through class discussions, pupil leadership, school council and shared decision-making, children learn that democracy involves listening, respectful debate, compromise and participation. We encourage children to use their voices positively and to understand how they can make a difference in their school and the wider community.

 

The Rule of Law

The value of Respect underpins our understanding of rules and responsibilities. Our three school rules give children a simple and consistent framework for understanding how we treat ourselves, one another and our school.

Children learn why rules are important, how they help to keep everyone safe and happy, and why it is important to take responsibility for our actions. Our three simple school rules provide a clear foundation for this. They help children understand how we live and learn together: Respect yourself, others and the school teaches children to value themselves and those around them. Keep hands and feet to yourself reinforces the importance of personal space, safety and peaceful relationships. Listen and follow instructions helps children understand the importance of agreed expectations and taking responsibility for their behaviour and learning.

Through our behaviour expectations, assemblies, curriculum and everyday interactions, children learn to distinguish right from wrong, understand consequences and recognise the importance of fairness and justice. As they grow, they develop an age-appropriate understanding of the laws and responsibilities that help our society to function.

 

Individual Liberty

We believe that every child is uniquely created in God's image, with their own gifts, talents and qualities. Our Christian faith reminds us that every individual has inherent worth and should be treated with dignity.

We nurture children's confidence, independence and self-esteem and encourage them to make positive choices. Children are supported to take appropriate risks, show initiative, express their views and make choices about their learning.

Our value of Perseverance encourages children not to give up when something is difficult, but to seek help, try different approaches and learn from challenges.

 

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Respect and Love are central to our school community. Norwood Green is a very diverse community, and our children learn alongside people with different cultures, traditions, faiths, beliefs and backgrounds.

We teach children to value difference, listen to others and treat everyone with dignity. Through our curriculum, Religious Education, Collective Worship, celebrations, stories and our relationships with families and the wider community, children develop understanding and respect for different faiths and beliefs, including those of people who have no religious faith.

We celebrate the richness that diversity brings to our school and actively challenge prejudice, discrimination and intolerance. Children learn that we may not always agree with one another, but we can disagree respectfully and treat one another with kindness.

 

Living our values

Our aim is for our children to leave St Mary’s as confident, compassionate and responsible young people who understand that they have a part to play in shaping their community and the wider world.

In the spirit of Service, we encourage children to look beyond themselves, care for others and make a positive contribution. As in the Parable of the Sower, we want every child to grow and flourish, using their gifts to make a difference and to give back to their communities hundred-fold.

Our Christian Values and British Values therefore work together to help our children become respectful, resilient and active citizens, ready to live well with others in our diverse community and in modern Britain.