Christian Distinctiveness

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Let your light shine

(Matthew 5:16)

Our vision ‘Let your light shine’, aims to support us all in believing that we can do the best in life for not only ourselves, but also for others. We recognise that we are all special in God’s eyes. As unique individuals, our children are nurtured, with their skills, talents and achievements being promoted through our creative curriculum and everyday life. If we can achieve this, then we can become the person that God intended us to be. We want our school to be a beacon that shines far and wide, lighting up our community with the light of Jesus through all the work that we do. The Christian character at our school is evident in the strong sense of respect that exists between staff, children, parents and governors, who are all proud to be part of our special school ‘family’. Everyone at Chrishall feels supported, valued and has a voice that is listened to.

A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

(Matthew 5:14)

The words of the Sermon on the Mount underpin our school vision and values. They help us to understand that a light should not be put under a bowl – it should give light to not only oneself, but to everyone. If we can show God’s light and love, it is possible for us all to show something of His light in our families, school, the community and the world. As a Church of England school, we learn about the teachings of Jesus and how He let His light shine in the world.

Creativity Courage Compassion Citizenship Care

These are our five core values that help us live out our vision in our everyday lives.

Our Christian vision and values help us to make positive choices about the way we live and behave. At Chrishall, we are inspired by Jesus to be courageous advocates for making changes that can improve our community. Children are motivated to shine their lights with kindness and care as they are encouraged and supported in putting their learning to practice through their Eco, School Council and other Ambassador roles with work that they do for each other, the school and the community. Children learn to appreciate, care for and love the wonderful world that God has created for us.

We care for everyone. Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another, to show love and to do good. (Hebrews 10:24)

Children are given opportunities to shine their lights as curious thinkers as they explore religious beliefs and values of their own and of others in the wider world. They are taught to shine their light with confidence as responsible and tolerant citizens of Britain.

Children are supported in nurturing the light in those around them and provide light to others, who might need support in finding their own light.

When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. (Mark 6:34)

At Chrishall, we want children to not only shine their light on others, but we want them to recognise the value of their own light: to be proud of their personal achievements; to value and

respect themselves; and to know how loved they are both by God and by others. ‘Let your light shine’ certificates are given out in weekly assemblies. These are based on our school values and children nominate each other. Blogs, newsletters and assemblies are some of the ways in which individual and collective successes are celebrated.

Collective worship is a special time at our school. It takes place in school and at our local church in Chrishall. In addition to our headteacher and other teachers, our year six children lead weekly faith assemblies. A member from the Parish also lead Collective Worship. At each of these, different biblical stories and Christian values are shared with the children. At virtual faith assemblies and those held at the church, family members are also invited to attend. All collective worships include a greeting, reciting the school prayer, a range of hymns and modern worship songs and then a dismissal. A candle is lit at the start and then at the end to mark the beginning and end of the worship time.

Integral to our school vision and values are our life skills, which we continually promote both in and out of school. We aim for children’s lights to shine brightly as they continue their life journey beyond primary school and into the future. We hope that they will have the confidence to embrace all that awaits them in life with hope and aspiration.