Vision and Ethos
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10
The school’s vision is one of Christian service: each of us using our skills and talents to support and serve one another. We extend this service to all, whatever their backgrounds or beliefs; both within the school itself, and the wider community. All are welcomed wholeheartedly into our school family and are nurtured and supported by our harmonious school community. Friendship is a blessing extended to each and every one, as we develop as a community where God’s love, compassion and forgiveness inform our daily lives. We believe that God will guide us all with hope, compassion and wisdom in becoming successful members of a global community.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control..."
Galatians 5 v 22-23
The school’s vision of service (1 Peter 4v10) is complemented by the focus on the Fruits of the Spirit as given in Galatians 5v22-23. As we serve, these characteristics – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – teach us how we should present ourselves. Focussing on the Fruits of the Spirit has given Collective Worship a cohesive feel and purpose as it teaches pupils how they should deal with one another and with the wider community.
Promoting British values at Bishop Wilson C of E Primary School
Historically, Christian values have formed the foundation of the British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.
The Department of Education has a clear expectation that schools should:
“promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs” Prevent Strategy, 2011
Democracy
At Bishop Wilson C of E Primary we value each individual for who they are. We identify and develop individual skills and interests and help our children to identify their role in the school team and the wider community.
We have an active School Council which meets to discuss issues raised in Class Council meetings. Every child has an opportunity to share a manifesto, vote and elect the best candidate to represent them on School Council.
We provide a curriculum which engages children in reflecting on their next steps of learning and in discussing and challenging a range of concepts and ideas.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Bishop Wilson C of E Primary School. Children helped to create the school rules, therefore they know and understand these well. The children are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help to reinforce the importance of Law.
Individual Liberty
At Bishop Wilson C of E Primary School, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. The children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through E-Safety and PSHCE work. Whether it be through choice of challenge, direction of learning, how they record their work and participation in a variety of activities and clubs, children are given the freedom to make choices. We also have a robust anti-bullying culture, behaviour and E-safety policies in place.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Mutual respect is at the heart of our school values and is embedded within our School Rules. Through collective worship, Jigsaw lessons and class worship, children are taught about respect. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. At Bishop Wilson C of E Primary, we expect all members of the school community treat each other with respect. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in R.E. and PSHE.
