Christian Ethos

St Mary’s High School is committed to providing a safe and caring learning environment founded on Christian principles of respect for each other and the environment.

The school is committed to providing an excellent standard of education for all students allowing each individual to achieve their full potential regardless of ability. Our Christian vision,

Through God’s love, we are the rich soil where seeds flourish and roots grow

is taken from the Parable of The Sower (Mark 4: 3-9) and is the principle that underpins our work with our students, to support them to grow and develop in to young people who can lead lives of value.

St Mary’s is also committed to ensuring that the school sits at the centre of the local community providing support both for children and young people and their families so that they have the best start in life and access to the help and services that they need to thrive.

Where possible the work of the school involves consultation and collaboration with students and thier parents/carers as well as staff, governors and partners to ensure that we remain true to our Christian ethos and are focussed on meeting the needs of our community by placing the community at the centre of our work.

A full list of our Christian Values can be found on the webpage titled ‘Christian Values’. Listed below are the six key values that have been identified by Students and Staff, that we believe are particularly important in our school.

The Key Christian Values of St Mary’s CE High School that contribute to our ethos and underpin all aspects of our work are:

1. Trust

firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone and GOD. Bible verse: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1

Examples of this can be seen at St Mary’s:

• Students feel safe at SMHS and talk to staff about issues/problems because they TRUST staff and their friends to support them and forgive them when they make mistakes
• Increasing numbers of parents/carers choose SMHS for their child’s secondary education as a result of the TRUST that they have in the school based on the school’s reputation and very good performance records.
• Staff TRUST students to do their best in all aspects of their learning and to use the opportunities they are given, such as contributing to Student Voice or taking part in community activities, responsibly.

2. Forgiveness

Stop feeling angry or resentful towards (someone) for doing wrong or making a mistake. Bible verse: “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”. Matthew 6:14.

Examples of this can be seen at St Mary’s

• Students understand that the Behaviour for Learning Policy allows them to make mistakes and be FORGIVEN so that they can use their learning to make things better

3. Compassion

Caring for others who may be experiencing difficult times. Bible verse: “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 /  “treat others as you would like to be treated” Matthew 7:12

Examples of this can be seen at St Mary’s

• SMHS Code of Conduct is based on treating others as we would wish to be treated, showing a COMPASSION and respect for all members of our community. This contributes to our harmonious school.
• SMHS is a fully inclusive school where everyone is treated equally so that their individual needs can be met and they can be supported with COMPASSION to achieve their full potential.

4. Thankfulness

Feeling or expressing gratitude towards others and GOD. Bible verse: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Examples of this can be seen at St Mary’s

• At St Mary’s daily acts of worship and regular collective worship provide opportunities to express our THANKFULNESS to GOD through prayer and reflection
• When we celebrate our achievements, part of our celebrations will include being THANKFUL for the opportunities that we have been given.

5. Friendship

A relationship with someone you enjoy spending time with and who you can depend on in times of trouble. Bible verse : “A friend loves at all times” Proverbs 17:17

Examples of this can be seen at St Mary’s

• The expectation that all members of St Mary’s offer FRIENDSHIP to each other results in a school and that ‘Students feel happy and safe at school’ (Ofsted 2019)
• Students and staff who join the school, say that they are made to feel very welcome as a result of the FRIENDSHIP and support shown to them.

6. Love / Agape

Loving GOD and a selfless love for fellow human beings. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Bible verse: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. As I have loved you, you should also love one another” John 13:34

Examples of this can be seen at St Mary’s

• The power of our AGAPE LOVE is shown in the work that we do to help others who are less fortunate than ourselves when we place their care above our own needs.