West Monkton's Vision and Values

‘A place for growing together and learning to fly.’

We have taken the key words from this sentence and added description through our aims. This new vision was communicated to the Governing Body through a review of the school vision in 2022:

Those in bold our own Christian aims

Place    

• Continue to build the school community beyond the classroom
• Create a safe, strong and inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed
• Be a central part of the local community, linking school, church and families: past, present and future
• Investigate the spiritual claims of belonging to the Christian faith

Growing

• Develop a sense of wonder, awe, mystery and joy
• Equip our children with integral skills to stimulate curiosity and a love of learning
• Develop a learning journey that is creative and inspirational
• Support children to explore their personal beliefs and values and learn to respect the beliefs and values of others

Together

• Thread knowledge and understanding of Galatians ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ to support children in becoming ‘courteous advocates
• Promoting the whole child: spiritual, moral, cultural, mental, emotional and physical
• Engage in activities which involve questioning, valuing, envisioning, empathising and imagining
• Consider life in all its fullness

Learning

• Promote high standards in learning
• Embed opportunities for children to explore an inspirational and varied curriculum, building on previous learning and developing a love of education
• Create a culture where children are able to talk freely, be inquisitive and develop cultural curiosity
• Show insights into deep questions about life, change and death
• Listen, reflect and puzzle, supporting children through their spiritual journey

Fly

•  Provide a wealth and breadth of learning experiences to ensure a holistic approach to personal and collective well-being
• Equip children with the necessary skills and qualities needed to embrace life’s opportunities and challenges
• Consider our own opinions and feelings in relation to others

Christian Values

The Church of England vision for education is for all children to, ‘Have life, life in all its fullness.’ [John 10:10]. West Monkton Church School’s ethos is built upon our Christian Values, which support our children, staff and school community to experience and enjoy life in all its fullness. Our school has long held core inclusive Christian Values at the heart of what we do.

We believe values help define our character and ethos and by doing so affect our behaviour, beliefs and actions. They are our guide for living a life that will help all flourish. 

At West Monkton our Christian Values are represented by nine words with a clear Biblical underpinning that give purpose, direction and a firm grounding in all we seek to do. These are present among our school community.

Galatians 5:22-23

'the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.'

To represent our Christian Values, children from Years 1-6 were previously involved in creating a permanent artwork display in our school hall. This we enjoy as a regular reminder of our values which underpin everything we do. Children have become fluent in our Christian values and enjoy the chance to share, reflect and encompass them into their lives. 

British Values

At West Monkton School, we actively promote British Values.

We recognise the diversity within our society and ensure that British Values are embedded within our curriculum. The teaching of British Values is integrated through the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) learning that takes place across all curriculum areas.

We promote British Values in the following ways:
(Please note that this list is not exhaustive)

Democracy

• Our School Council promotes the democratic process – pupils nominate and vote for their representatives within the School Council.
• Our marking policy encourages feedback enabling pupils to respond to and influence the learning process.
• Children create and adhere to class codes of conduct.
• Pupils and parents are surveyed and the results of those surveys inform aspects of the School Development Plan.
• We have a house system and House Captains are elected as sports ambassadors, supporting PE across the school, and promoting our school in local sporting competitions.
• Children are encouraged to voice their opinions in formal and informal ways (suggestion boxes, questionnaires, e-safety group).

Individual Liberty

• Children are provided with boundaries which encourage them to make choices safely.
• Pupils are encouraged to respectfully express their views and beliefs.
• Pupils have key roles and responsibilities within school, such as: School Council, E-Safety Team, House Representatives etc.
• Pupils have the opportunity and are encouraged to take part in a broad range of extra-curricular activities.
• Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example, through our PHSE and E-Safety lessons.
• Pupils know who to speak to if they are worried or concerned about themselves or others, e.g. safeguarding officers, teachers, support team.

Respect of those of different faith and beliefs

• We celebrate major world religion festivals throughout the year.
• Our RE and PSHE curriculum provides children with a broad and balanced understanding of world religions and promotes respect for the beliefs of others.
• Our staff is representative of our school community.
• We provide resources to ensure that all pupils are effectively integrated into the teaching and learning process and the wider school community, including those that join at different starting points and those who have English as an additional language.

Mutual Respect

• Pupils work in teams, share ideas in public and show respect for other pupils’ opinions during class discussions, assemblies and concerts.
• School rules reinforce mutual respect.
• All members of the school community treat each other with respect and model this in behaviour with colleagues and pupils.
• Pupils work together in different groups and situations in different lessons and subjects.
• All pupils participate in live productions and collective worships throughout the school year.

The Rule of Law

• We have clear rules and expectations of behaviour and a Whistle Blowing policy which is adhered to by all pupils, staff and other stakeholders.
• Each class has a class code of conduct created by the pupils at the start of each academic year which we refer to as a class charter.
• School collective worships follow regular themes and include e-safety, road safety, stranger danger and caring for the environment.
• Attendance and punctuality is good and all stakeholders are aware of the importance of being at school.
• Pupils follow, respect and understand the need for different rules in different situations, i.e. PE lessons, school visits, classrooms and the playground.
• Pupils are awarded weekly certificates in recognition of their learning behaviours.
• Visits from emergency services and MPs/councillors, reinforces the rule of law and the reasoning/purpose behind them.
• The school supports pupils in regulating their own behaviour to make choices for the well-being of themselves and others.