Values Based Education |
Values-Based Education
At Silsoe VC Lower School, our values are at the heart of everything we do. Rooted in our Christian vision, “For all to flourish as confident, resilient and kind individuals who encourage one another and grow together in God’s love” (Ephesians 3:17), our values shape our school culture, relationships, behaviour and approach to learning.
Our three core values of Kindness, Confidence and Resilience underpin our vision and guide us in creating a welcoming, nurturing and inclusive school community where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to flourish.
We believe that values are more than words; they are demonstrated through our everyday actions, the choices we make, the way we treat others and the care we show for our school, our community and the wider world.
Living Our Values Every Day
Values-based education is woven throughout school life, including our curriculum, collective worship, relationships, behaviour expectations and wider opportunities for personal development.
Through our values-based approach, we encourage children to:
- Show kindness by treating others with compassion, respect and understanding, celebrating differences and helping those around them.
- Develop confidence by believing in themselves, sharing their ideas, embracing new experiences and recognising their own strengths and talents.
- Build resilience by persevering when faced with challenges, learning from mistakes, developing independence and understanding the importance of not giving up yet.
- Encourage and support one another, recognising that we all have different strengths and that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
- Take responsibility for their choices and actions, demonstrating care for others, our environment and the wider community.
Our values help children develop a strong sense of belonging and an understanding of their responsibilities as members of our school community and the wider world.
Our Values in Collective Worship and Learning
Collective worship provides regular opportunities for children to explore and reflect upon our values, their meaning and how they can be demonstrated in everyday life.
Through Bible stories, reflection, prayer, discussion and opportunities for spiritual development, children are encouraged to consider how our Christian vision and values can guide their actions and relationships.
Alongside our three core values, we explore a wider range of values through a two-year rolling programme, helping children develop an understanding of qualities such as respect, honesty, responsibility, forgiveness, perseverance and compassion.
These values are reinforced through classroom learning, assemblies, school activities and the positive relationships that are central to our school ethos.
We recognise that our Christian vision is inclusive of everyone, welcoming children and families of all faiths and none. Our values provide a shared foundation for living, learning and growing together.
Recognising and Celebrating Our Values
We believe it is important to recognise and celebrate children who demonstrate our values through their words, actions and attitudes.
During our weekly celebration collective worship, children are recognised for the ways in which they have demonstrated our values, supported others, shown determination or made a positive contribution to school life.
Children receiving a Values Leaf are celebrated, and their achievements are shared with their families. Our Values Tree provides a visible reminder of the many ways our children put our values into action.
We also encourage children to recognise and celebrate the achievements of others, helping to build a culture of encouragement, kindness and mutual respect.
Working Together with Families
Values-based education is a shared responsibility. We recognise the important role that parents and carers play in helping children develop positive attitudes, strong relationships and a sense of responsibility.
By working in partnership with families, we aim to ensure that our values are understood, celebrated and reflected in children's experiences both at school and at home.
Our Values Mark Accreditation
We are proud of our longstanding commitment to values-based education, which has been recognised through the achievement of the Values Mark, first awarded in July 2010 and successfully reaccredited in July 2014, July 2017 and May 2022.
This recognition reflects the importance we place on creating a positive school culture in which values are actively taught, modelled and lived.
Our commitment continues to evolve as we reflect upon and strengthen the ways in which our Christian vision and values shape the experiences of every child.
Together We Grow.
In a two year rolling programme we study 22 values:
| Autumn Term - Cycle 1 |
| Quality |
| Unity |
| Peace |
| Happiness |
| Spring Term - Cycle 1 |
| Hope |
| Patience |
| Care |
| Summer Term - Cycle 1 |
| Simplicity |
| Understanding |
| Trust |
| Freedom |
| Autumn Term - Cycle 2 |
| Respect |
| Responsibility |
| Friendship |
| Tolerance |
| Spring Term - Cycle 2 |
| Courage |
| Positivity |
| Love & Forgiveness |
| Summer Term - Cycle 2 |
| Co-operation |
| Thoughtfulness |
| Honesty |
| Appreciation |