Our Values and Ethos

Our Values

Our values are rooted in scripture to guide our understanding of what these values mean in our school context.

Forgiveness

Luke 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

Student reflections on Forgiveness:

“To give someone a second chance despite their actions or words.”
“Not holding on to the past.”
“Accept mistakes and be respectful to everyone.”

Perseverance

Isaiah 40:31 ‘But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’

Student reflections on Perseverance:

“Never give up! Always keep going! Believe in yourself.”
“To continue despite having failed before.”
“Not giving up even when it feels like the easier way out.”

Hope

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Student reflections on Hope:

“To believe in something in times of doubt.”
“To believe in a better outcome.”
“Knowing that there is always another option.”

Compassion

2 Corinthians 1: 4 (MSG) God comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.

Student reflections on Compassion:

“Caring for others, being kind to people who are in need.”
“Helping and giving unconditional kindness to people, no matter who they are.”
“Putting others first and showing that you care.”

Wisdom

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Student reflections on Wisdom:

“Being good and smart, making good choices from past experiences.”
“Learn from your mistakes.”
“To know what to do in a given situation.”

Our Ethos

Enter to Learn – Go Forth to Serve

Ethos and Values of the school

It is our duty to inspire every student, within the context of a Christian school community, to:

Be successful learners, whatever their ability, interests or talents.

Be excited and engaged in their learning. 

Be confident young people with the skills required for the twenty-first century.

Demonstrate compassion and a concern for others and our world.

Make good decisions about their behaviour, lifestyles and career options.

We believe that every child can be a successful learner, whatever their background, ability, interests or talents, and we are committed to engendering this belief in our students and ensuring their success.
We want every child to be excited and engaged in their learning so that they develop a lifelong passion
for learning and never lose their curiosity. Every member of our school community should promote and understand the idea that effort is the key to success and that there are no limits to what an individual can achieve given the right commitment. We aim to challenge our students and to give them the confidence and resilience to continue to grow their minds and learn from their mistakes.

Through the school curriculum and extra-curricular activities, we aim to help students develop confidence and resilience. A broad programme of clubs, competitions and trips - to the local area, Britain and across the world - help our students to develop further the skills and understanding they will need as adults and the values they are learning as part of a Christian community.

All students play a role in raising money for chosen charities through regular charity events and are encouraged to play an active role in supporting those less fortunate than themselves, both in financial and practical ways and to see their role in preserving God’s world. The important Christian tradition of service to others is encouraged throughout the school.

We expect students to behave well, be polite and courteous and to be considerate of others, to learn about and adopt safe and healthy lifestyles and to participate in the Christian life of the school, including our acts of worship. In so doing we believe that our pupils will grow to become active members of their community and society.

Promoting British Values

The Archbishop’s School is committed to serving its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

We follow equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. The Archbishop’s School is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools.

The five British Values are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

The examples that follow show some of the many ways The Archbishop’s School seeks to embed British values.

Democracy

The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at The Archbishop’s School, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, by holding elections or votes on whole-school issues, and by gathering staff and pupil opinions on matters.
The principle of democracy is also explored in the history and RE curriculum as well as in form time
and assemblies.

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 The Archbishop’s School.

Students are taught the rules and expectations of the school. Students are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

At The Archbishop’s School, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at The Archbishop’s School educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment
and an empowering education.

Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety and Citizenship and Personal Development (also known as PSHE).

The Archbishop’s School has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour Policy.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a strong part of The Archbishop’s School and is part of its values. Students learn that their behaviours has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments. Assemblies regularly focus on issues such as children’s rights to education and respect and their responsibilities towards each other with regard to religious and racial tolerance and the principles of
the Equality Act 2010.

Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved though equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community.
The RE curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.