Autumn 1: Kindness
This half term we will focus on the part of our vision which talks about developing happy individuals. One of the key ways of promoting happiness is by being kind to others in our community.
Kindness is one of the most powerful ways we show that we love and care, for ourselves, others and the natural world. The Gospels show many examples of Jesus showing kindness to all in society. Christians believe that God calls us to be the light in the world – to love and be kind to all. Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
We will explore the importance of showing kindness in our community and how we can participate in small acts of kindness to make a difference to others. Showing kindness to one another is vital for the wellbeing of our school community by promoting compassion, forgiveness and love. An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25
Quotes from the children
Kindness is:
“Always playing with everyone.” (Deacon, Year 1)
“Helping someone when they fall down.” (Noah, Year 2)
“Sharing my smile with people I meet.” (Matilde, Year 3)
Autumn 2: Perseverance
This half term we will focus on the part of our vision which talks about being equipped for lifelong learning. In order to prepare ourselves for lifelong learning, we need to develop perseverance. Perseverance means to keep trying even when things are challenging.
We will be encouraged to have self-belief in order to keep on going and to speak out for what we believe is right. We will explore what the Bible says about perseverance and remember Jesus’ two commands: love God and love others. “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39. It takes commitment and perseverance to live these values out, but when we do this, we find ourselves living as God wants.
We will also reflect upon God’s persevering love. Jesus frequently encouraged his disciples to ‘endure patiently’ the difficulties and obstacles they encountered and to persevere in the face of adversity. He himself trusted in God even when others tried to stop his good work. Very little that is really worthwhile in life can be achieved without perseverance. An athlete may train for years before they are ready to compete at the highest level. A musician must practice every day, sometimes for hours at a time, if they are to really master their instrument. In our learning, we know that through perseverance we can experience success.
Quotes from the children
Perseverance is:
“Never giving up.” (Noah, Year 6)
“Challenging yourself.” (Frankie, Year 4)
“Keeping on trying even when it’s hard. If you want to achieve something, you need perseverance. Nothing is easy! You’ve got to keep trying.” (Ziya, Year 4)
Spring 1: Courage
This half term we will focus on the part of our vision which talks about being secure and happy, well-adjusted individuals, well equipped for learning. We will do this by exploring the value of ‘Courage’. Courage is an important value because it enables us to try new things and experiences and know that by doing so, we can show that we love to learn. Matthew 5:15-16 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 others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. At Whinmoor St Paul’s, we strive to ‘Let our Light Shine’, which allows us to have the courage to let our actions and good deeds show our love for God. Courage is often about continuing to do what you would normally do even when faced with extraordinary situations. Many Christians believe that God asks us to offer our skills, talents and abilities in the face of adversity, and that he will use that courageousness to achieve great things. We will explore the value of courage and what it means to us as individuals as well as a community. We will reflect upon ways that we can show courage and also encourage others to find their courage. Jesus urged his disciples to be courageous in the face of suffering, based on the fact that God’s love was ultimately victorious: ‘Take heart. I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33). Christians recognise that human courage alone is sometimes not enough. It can be a challenge to stick to what is good and right. They need the assurance of God’s help and presence to do what they know is right.
Quotes from the children
Courage is:
“Is trying something new.” (Freya, Year 6)
“Is never giving up.” (Beau, Year 6)
“Is reaching for your dreams.” (Ayla, Year 1)
“Is having the confidence to try and achieve your goals.” (Somtu, Year 4)
“Is being yourself.” (Orla, Year 5)
