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Each half term we focus on a particular Christian value and take opportunities in collective worship, class reflections and in lessons to consider what that value looks like in how Jesus lived and in our own lives each day. We hear stories from the Bible and from history and the news which exemplify how each value can be shown in our own behaviour, thoughts and actions.
We have 12 focus values, one for each half term across a 2 year cycle.
CYCLE A
COURAGE
This value uses the story of St George and The Dragon and the bible story of David and Goliath, amongst many others, in order to help children to put their trust in God to be there for them in all situations. It aims to help them have the courage to overcome fear, make a stand for what is right and to encourage others to persevere.
PEACE
Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God’ (Matthew 5:9). Within this value, we will think about what peace means for us, for our family, for our community and for the world.
Psalm 34:14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.
PERSEVERANCE
This value teaches us that many things in life are hard to reach but we should never give up reaching for them. We will hear the story of Jeremiah, from the Old Testament, and the story of the Lost Sheep which Jesus told.
FRIENDSHIP
Whilst exploring this value, we learn about how Christians believe they can call God their friend because of the relationship made possible through Jesus. We hear the story of when Jesus heals a paralysed man who is lowered through the roof by his friends so he can see Jesus. This Bible story is based on text from Luke 5:17-26.
COMPASSION
Whilst focusing on this value, we have been thinking how we can show compassion and kindness to one another. We have been recognising when friends at school need us to listen and act with compassion. We have also been remembering how nations show compassion to other nations at times of disaster or need by sending money and volunteers to help.
TRUTHFULNESS
Christians believe that truth is revealed in the Bible in the person and life of Jesus. Through Jesus’ teachings, we are given an insight into God and the way He means us to live. We will hear stories from the Old and New Testaments which promote truthfulness.
To share at home
Courage
Peace
Perseverance
Friendship
Compassion
Truthfulness
CYCLE B
HOPE
Christians see their hope in God’s promise “that love and goodness have, and will ultimately, overcome all evil”. This hope is manifested in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The beginning of John’s Gospel says ‘The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.’ Throughout his life Jesus gave hope to others and the resurrection of Jesus shows us that evil can never ultimately triumph over love.
We will explore this through the symbolism of Jesus as the light of the world as well as hearing stories of hope from the Bible and from people around the world.
RESPONSIBILITY
The bible teaches us that life is a gift from God and it is our responsibility to use our talents and abilities in the best way we can. We will share Bible stories from Matthew and James and reflect on our words and actions.
THANKFULNESS
The Apostle Paul tells his readers to be thankful in all circumstances (I Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 18). Christians believe that God loves and cares for them in many different ways in all aspects of their life. They know that their response to this provision should be one of thankfulness and praise.
FORGIVENESS
In the Lord’s Prayer we ask God to forgive us our sins or trespasses as we forgive those who sin against us. We are saying we wish God to treat us in the same way we treat other people! Forgiveness is the means by which damaged relationships are restored. It is an act of the will, motivated by love. Children and adults in school are helped to acknowledge that we all make mistakes and we all need forgiveness from God and each other.
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RESPECT
As Moses approached the presence of God in the burning bush, God said to him: ˜Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. ‘ This scene captures something of the essence of ˜reverence’ and ‘respect’. Respect for God extends to respect for all creation, including all people, animals and our environment. In school children and adults are expected to show respect for each other, their belongings and their environment. Reverence takes this response a step further and will include aspects of worship such as awe and wonder, surrender and sacrifice.
TRUST
Trust is the very essence of faith; trust in the God who is trustworthy. ‘Trust in the Lord’ is a central theme in the Psalms. Time and time again, God is the acknowledged as the source of all true security and strength. This is contrasted with trust in chariots, horses, weapons, wealth or princes (Psalm 20:7; 118:8-9). We can easily think of the modern day equivalents. Trust is central to civilised society, to living together in harmony, so it is to be valued and honoured. With wisdom and discernment, we can relearn to trust. We can begin to rebuild trust in our mistrustful society by being reliable ourselves, by not letting people down. Similarly, when we work with others, if we are willing to let go of control ourselves and trust in the abilities and integrity of others, everyone can be enriched. Jesus, after all, entrusted his ongoing work to his disciples and ultimately to us.
To share at home
Hope
Responsibility
Thankfulness
Forgiveness
Respect
Trust
