Our Christian Values

At Bridge & Patrixbourne CEP School we have 5 Christian Values:

Compassion is about taking special care of the small things and so goes on the smallest finger
Trust in God and in each other, an example of a symbol of trust is a wedding ring which would be worn on the 4th finger
Everything we have is a gift from God and because we are thankful for his vast generosity, we can be generous to others. The middle finger represents the vastness of His generosity.
The index finger is typically used to point the 'finger of blame' but God always forgives our mistakes meaning we can demonstrate forgiveness when others make mistakes or hurt us. This finger instead becomes our reminder to forgive.
Reflecting Jesus' servanthood, we are called to service (help and support) one another in our homes, our families, our school and wider community. Our thumb is our most useful digit and represents our usefulness, our ability to serve.

These values are derived from stories of the life and works of the Holy Trinity: God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Each value is modelled and demonstrated by staff through the way they act and behave towards each other and all stakeholders, language and vocabulary used and how teaching and learning is approached. The expectation at Bridge is that children also display these five Christian values.

All school policies are approached in a manner which encompasses these values. Whichever subject is being taught, how it is being taught, the manner by which we respond to behaviour, class rules, and behaviour strategies etc. is handled or delivered appropriately based on our Christian values.

Our Values in Action

2 Colossians 3.12: Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Matthew 7.12: Treat others as you want them to treat you.

Questions for Reflection

If you met someone who was really compassionate, how would you know?
If you show someone kindness and care, how does that make them feel? How do you think you would feel?
How could you help someone who was being 'left out' of a game or other activity?
How do your teachers help you to explore and reflect upon how others are feeling?
Do you know which charities the school has been supporting? How do you think the money raised helped?
Do you know a story that Jesus told about someone who showed compassion? Can you think of a time when Jesus showed compassion to those around him?

John 14.1: Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.

1 Corinthians 13.6-7: Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth, it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Questions for Reflection

What makes a friend trustworthy?
Why is it important to be able to trust people in your class?
How do we learn to trust one another?
When do you need to have someone to trust?
What could you do if a friend betrayed your trust or let you down?
How can you show that you are trustworthy?
What do Christians mean when they speak about 'trusting God in all things?

Acts 20.35: Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, it is more blessed to give than to receive.

2 Corinthians 9.7: God loves a cheerful giver

Questions for Reflection

What does it mean to be generous?
Does generosity always involve giving money or things?
How does it feel when you act with generosity towards others by sharing what you have?
How does it feel when others are generous towards you?
Who acts with generosity towards you?
Can you think of a story from the Bible when Jesus showed or taught about generosity?
When Christians say that they worship a generous God, what do they mean?
Have you ever made a plan with others about how you might show generosity towards people in trouble?

1 John 1.9: But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.

Mark 11.25: If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you.

Questions for Reflection

How does it feel when you know you have been forgiven and can start again?
In the Bible, we learn about the story of Zacchaeus. What helped Zacchaeus to be and feel better and make a new life?
Saying sorry to someone who you have upset is the first part of making things right. What else might you need to do?
Why is it important to forgive someone, even if they do not ask for forgiveness?
Does your teacher talk to you about how those who are unkind to others might be helped to change their behaviour?
How could you help someone who needs to say sorry?

Matthew 20.26: The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.

John 13.12-15: After Jesus had washed his disciples' feet...he said, "Do you understand what I have done? ...And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other."

Questions for Reflection

What could you do to be of service to someone today?
How do people serve you at school?
How does a leader serve his/her people?
What Bible stories do you know that show us that Jesus came to serve others?
Have you learnt in school about individuals who have selflessly served others, both in the past and in the present day?

Supporting our Christian Values at Home

Below are some ideas of how you can explore our Christian Values at home. There are stories that you can share, fascinating facts and activities that can be completed together.