Our Vision
Love is at the heart of our school, our love of learning, God, ourselves, and others. We are committed to offering a rich curriculum that allows all to flourish both academically and spiritually. We want all to have a voice, knowing we can make a difference.
We live out our vision through our values:
Thankfulness, Trust, Courage, Forgiveness, Service, and Respect
Our vision is summarised in our motto
Learn to love, love to learn.
The Bible tells us; ‘Let all that you do, be done in love’ 1 Corinthians 16:14
Our Core Values
Our six core Christian values are:
We believe these values are empowering our pupils to develop their spirituality and guiding them in personal development as effective learners and good citizens. We focus on a different value each half term and children have regular opportunities to reflect on each value and to develop an understanding of the value in action.
Through these six core Christian values, St. Leonard’s First School nurtures our children so that they are courageous learners, who are confident, enthusiastic and enjoy challenge.
Our children develop positive and lasting friend/relationships built on trust, understanding and forgiveness and by serving others and putting each other first. Our children show respect towards themselves, others and their environment, by living responsible lives.
As a community we are thankful each day for all of God’s gifts.
What do our values mean to us?
Thankfulness
Thankfulness has always been at the centre of the life and worship of Christians. Christians believe that God loves and cares for them in many different ways in all aspects of their life. Christians know that their response to this provision should be one of thankfulness and praise. As a church school we believe that thankfulness is an essential value and we strive for children to understand the importance of saying and, most importantly, feeling thankful and not taking all that we have for granted. Thankfulness is a wholehearted response. It stems from a consciousness of God’s gifts and blessings.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Thessalonians 5.18
International Children’s Bible: Give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.
Key Bible story: The Man who Came Back Luke 17: 11-19
Trust
Trust is essential to human life and lies at the heart of all relationships. As a church school, we believe that trust is an essential value for living and working together in harmony. In our school community we can rely on others not to let us down and we show others that we are trustworthy by being reliable ourselves. We have faith and confidence in each other to guide us on our journey together.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26.3
International Children’s Bible: You, Lord, give true peace. You give peace to those who depend on you. You give peace to those who trust you.
Key Bible story: Jesus Calms the Storm Luke 8: 22-25
Courage
At St Leonard’s we strive to instil courage in our children and in ourselves. Without courage, we can’t move forward. Without courage, we will never experience new things in life or make the world a better place for others or ourselves. The Church of England talks about ‘courageous advocacy’ – putting others’ needs first, even when it might be dangerous or difficult. We show courage as we learn and grow to be the best we can be. We never give up and see our mistakes as special opportunities to learn something new. We face challenges, share and listen to different opinions, offer help and always set a good example to others. It is important that children begin to understand that bravery doesn’t just relate to physical feats but also to daily words and actions such as being honest and owning up to something even when you know you will be in trouble or standing up for what you know is right even when friends are against you.
Be strong and courageous. ‘Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the ‘Lord’ your God is with you wherever you go’. Joshua 1.9
International Children’s Bible: “Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid. The Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go.”
Key Bible story: Daniel in the Lion’s Den Daniel 6
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is fundamental to the character of God. As a church school we endeavour to help children to understand that everyone makes mistakes, it’s part of being human. Sometimes our mistakes hurt someone else, we can also be hurt ourselves. When this happens, we need to forgive, to accept an apology that is really meant. When we forgive, we are able to move forward and have a fresh start.
Forgiving ourselves and others can be challenging but by forgiving and being forgiven we learn that mistakes are good and proof that we are trying. We learn that forgiveness is so much more than just saying sorry and that we can forgive because we are forgiven.
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4.32
International Children’s Bible: Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.
Key Bible story: The Prodigal Son Luke 15: 11-32
Service
As a church school we believe that serving God means serving others and we strive to put others first. This can be as simple as holding a door open for someone. Jesus said that he ‘came not to be served, but to serve’. Christians believe that service to others is not offered to gain some advantage for ourselves. Going the extra mile involves sacrifice, putting ourselves out for someone else’s benefit. Serving God means serving others.
Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. Peter 4.10
International Children’s Bible: God has shown you his grace in giving you different gifts. And you are like servants who are responsible for using God’s gifts. So be good servants and use your gifts to serve each other.
Key Bible story: The Good Samaritan Luke 10: 25-37
Respect
As a Church school, we value all God’s children. God has created a beautiful world and we respect his creation by being kind to each other and showing respect and tolerance for everyone in our community and looking after the environment. We pay attention to each other’s ideas, feelings and possessions. We value what others say and do and we enjoy learning about different beliefs and cultures.
So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. Matthew 7:12
International Children’s Bible: Do for other people the same things you want them to do for you.
Key Bible story: Zacchaeus the Tax Collector Luke 19: 1-10
