As a Church of England Primary School, we are proud to root our ethos and the ways that we treat each other in school in Christian Values which are also shared human values, inclusive of all faiths and beliefs. These were chosen in 2018 at a ‘Visions and Values’ evening by parents, governors and staff as well as being discussed by the children.

We have 4 core values which we refer to often and these underpin how we relate to each other and the world around us.

Thankfulness

Thankfulness is closely related to joy and appreciation. At Selside this is especially an appreciation of the beautiful surroundings that we learn in. In encouraging an attitude of thankfulness, we remember how fortunate we are and this often leads us to want to help others. Celebration of the seasons of the year in our local church and community all helps to maintain and develop a sense of the wonder of new life, growth and things coming to fruition at harvest time.

‘In all things give thanks’.  1 Thessalonians 5, verse 18

Friendship

Friendship is at the heart of our relationships in school. It stems from treating one another as we would like to be treated and ‘loving our neighbour as ourselves’.  Staff know individual pupils well and will spend time helping them to develop their friendships with each other, as well as helping them to resolve differences when they fall out.  As in the Bible story of the Good Samaritan, we encourage the children to think about, ‘Who is my neighbour?’ …. realising that we are all part of a global village.

‘Love each other as I have loved you’.   John 13, verse 34

Respect

Respect is about doing the right thing and valuing everyone as equal.  It includes respect for the natural world and care for the environment both locally and globally. As a key British Value we learn about respecting those of different cultures, faiths and lifestyles from our own.  As a Christian Value, respect is closely linked to a sense of reverence.

‘Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth’.  1 John 3, verse 18

Courage

Courage helps us to be brave and to make the most of opportunities, helping each other to persevere even when it is difficult. It also includes having the moral courage to stand up for the truth and what we believe to be right.  As a Christian Value, we look at great examples of courage in the Bible and throughout history.

‘Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid’.   Joshua 1, verse 9

As well as our 4 core values, we also learn about other values and relate these to our day to day life.  Collective worship times, RE lessons and PSCHE lessons are often opportunities to discuss different values.