Vision and Values

Welcome to Shipham Church of England First School

At Shipham First School, we are proud to be a small, nurturing Church school at the heart of our village community. Rooted in Christian values, our vision shapes every aspect of school life. We are committed to helping every child grow into the very best version of themselves, academically, socially, and spiritually.

Our vision, “Inspiring Growth Through Nature and Community,” underpins all that we do. We strive to foster curious, creative, and confident learners, encouraging each child to develop as an individual while feeling a strong sense of belonging.

Our Ethos

We want all our children to:

• Achieve high standards across the curriculum
  
• Take responsibility for their own learning and actions
  
• Respect and value themselves, others, and the world around them
  
• Be equipped with the skills and understanding to make informed choices in a changing world
  
• Develop enquiring minds and a lifelong love of learning
  
• Communicate effectively and work well with others
• Grow in mind, body and spirit

Our Aims

At Shipham Church of England First School, we are committed to:

• Creating a welcoming, inclusive community where every member is valued and respected
  
• Supporting all children to reach their full potential
  
• Promoting self-discipline, good manners and personal responsibility
  
• Delivering a broad and balanced curriculum in line with the National Curriculum
  
• Fostering a love of learning and developing independent, inquisitive learners
  
• Encouraging an understanding of the Christian faith and respect for the beliefs and values of others
  
• Building strong partnerships between home and school, the Church, local schools and the wider community
  
• Providing a positive, happy, safe and stimulating environment for all

Christian Values

At the heart of our school’s vision are six core Christian values, which we strive to instil in every pupil throughout their time at Shipham Church of England First School. Rooted in our Christian ethos and inspired by stories and psalms from the Bible, these values guide our daily life and learning. We believe they equip our pupils with the foundations they need to flourish, both within school and as they grow beyond it.

Through our Personal Development curriculum, we employ a wide range of purposeful strategies to ensure that our Christian Vision is lived out in practice. In this way, it moves beyond a statement to become a dynamic force that shapes our school culture, nurtures character, and supports flourishing for all.

These 6 values are embedded throughout school life and are reflected in how we learn, play, worship and grow together.

• Respect
  “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)
• Trust
  “My God is my strength in whom I trust.” (Psalm 18:2)
• Courage
  “Be strong and courageous.” (Joshua 1:9)
• Thankfulness
  “Always be thankful.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
• Kindness
  “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)
• Community
  “Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)

Promoting British Values

We actively promote the fundamental British Values of:

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

These are explored through our broad and balanced curriculum—particularly in Religious Education and PSHE—as well as through collective worship, school leadership opportunities such as House Captains, and our Behaviour for Learning policy.