SIAMS summary evaluation March 2024
At Levens CE School our Christian Values are very important to us. Chosen by everyone in our school community, they underpin our ethos and lead us on the right path in our daily lives; in and out of the classroom. We aim to explicitly teach all learners about these values through all areas of the curriculum and in collective worship and assemblies. We also expect all members of our school community to demonstrate and model these Christian Values through their daily interactions with one another. The promotion and celebration of these is fundamental to positive behaviour in school and enables us all to learn, grow and care for one another.
Our ten values are: Respect, Koinonia, Endurance, Compassion, Thankfulness, Forgiveness, Peace, Service, Truth and Love.
Each term we explore one of our Christian values in greater depth.
Our Christian Value this term is Truth:
Truth is such an important element of life and sometimes we need courage to be honest. In our assemblies and our discussions we ask big questions about why it can be difficult for us to face the truth, to admit the truth or to even recognise what is true. We also ask what it means to be true to oneself!
‘Tell the Truth to each other’. Zechariah 8:16
Information about all our Christian Values:
Endurance is recognition that life is sometimes difficult and painful; and that it is important not to give up in the face of adversity. Enduring and persevering are only possible where there is hope and hope that is based on the enduring nature of God’s love and faithfulness.
‘You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.’ Hebrews 10:36
Thankfulness and praise are at the heart of Christian worship. Thankfulness is directed at God who gives and sustains life. Seeing the world as God’s creation underpins the way we approach everything in life; seeing it as a gift. Paul frequently encourages us to ‘be thankful’ and says that our lives should ‘overflow with thankfulness’. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Thessalonians 5:18
Forgiveness is more than just saying sorry. We can forgive because we are forgiven. “Be compassionate and kind to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Service: The parable of the Good Samaritan shows we should serve those in need whoever they are. Such service is not offered to gain some kind of advantage for ourselves. Going the extra mile involves sacrifice; putting ourselves out for someone else’s benefit.
‘Whoever brings blessing is enriched; and one who waters will himself be watered’ Proverbs 11:25
Koinonia: Through Christ we all share friendship with one another as a family. Koinonia comes from the Greek word meaning community or fellowship. This shows the special relationship we have with one another; that we look after one another and where we welcome and accept everyone for who they are. Together we grow in our relationships with one another and with God.
Thessalonians 5:11 ‘Encourage one another to build one another up, just as you are doing.’
Love: God’s unconditional love for each and everyone of us is everlasting. We also explore how we can show real love for one another in our daily lives and the meaning of loyal friendships. The story of Ruth’s love for Naomi, found in the Old Testament, is an example of a strong, loving relationship; and a reflection of God’s faithful love too.
‘Love your neighbour as yourself,’ Mark, Chapter 12:13
Peace: The Hebrew term for Peace is ‘Shalom’. It has a deeper and more complex meaning, encompassing much more than simply the absence of hostility or war. It includes ideas of healing, health, wholeness and well-being. it means harmony, stability and security in a community. It refers to relationships based on truth and righteousness where people flourish because they are nurtured.
‘Those who promote peace have joy’. Proverbs 12:20
Compassion: The word is stronger in meaning than ‘Feeling sorry for someone’; this word is putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and experiencing what they experience. This leads to a desire to act; to do something. Compassion requires an act of imagination and humility to share in the lives of others.
‘Clothe yourselves in compassion, with kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,’ Colossians 3:12
Respect is about the way we think about and treat other people and our world. If we show respect, we have due regard for the wishes, feelings, beliefs and rights of all others; in our school; in our community and across our world. It’s about our understanding and tolerance of all others and accepting difference. Respect is one of the British Values we promote in our school as well as one exemplified by Jesus in his life and his teaching.
‘Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.’
Romans 12.10