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'Let your light shine' (Matthew 5:16)

Collective Worship

Our School Vision

 

Our vision for our school is that we become the very best version of ourselves to then let our light shine on others. We know our children are going to be influencers and leaders of the future, yet we are committed to also ensuring that they are compassionate and caring community members, with a generosity of spirit and a sense of social responsibility that enriches the world and people around them and feeds their soul.

 

We encourage our children to be the best they can be; yet we also base our vision on the parable of the Good Samaritan so that they too will wish to help others no matter who they are, show acceptance, be culturally aware and inclusive and not always expect something in return.

 

Our bible quote of 'Let Your Light Shine' (Matthew 5:16) is to show the children the joy there is to be had in spreading goodness and having the courageous advocacy to make a difference in the world for the community good and not just that of the individual.

 

Like a lighthouse, Thurnham Glasson C of E Primary School is a beacon of safety and stability. It takes courage to learn and remember knowledge, develop new skills and allow your own light to shine in the world. We respect our differences and know that working peacefully together allows our lights to shine more brightly.

'Let your light shine' Matthew 5:16

 

During the Sermon on the Mount, found in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses a crowd and reveals eight blessings (known as The Beatitudes).   He then goes on to talk to the crowd about salt and light.

Jesus explains: “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.   No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.   In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."

 

 

Matthew 5:14-16

As a Christian school family, we seek to follow the example of Jesus in all that we do.   We believe that the Sermon on the Mount is a vital chapter in scripture, teaching us to let the light of Jesus shine through us.   We take great encouragement from the words "you are the light of the world"; this reveals to us that Jesus, who himself tells us "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12), is within all of us.   We are all God's children and are called to "give glory" to our Father in heaven through our "good works".   This reminds us of the importance of our actions. Our actions allow us to let our light shine.   Our actions allow us to share the light of Jesus with those around us. We want our school and church to be beacons that shine far and wide, lighting up our region with the light of Jesus through our work, rest and play.   By learning about Christian values, by listening to the teachings of Jesus, and by following the example of Jesus, we say to every member of our community: let your light shine.

 

At Thurnham Glasson C of E Primary School, we believe that every child and adult can shine and that this can be for the benefit of all.   We recognise that we are all special in God’s eyes and have unique talents, which we nurture so that each of us has the opportunity to become the very best person that God intended us to be.   We want to see everyone being inspired and growing in wisdom, knowledge and dignity. We want to see children flourishing and excelling in everything that they do through providing rich experiences which give everyone the opportunity to achieve more than they ever thought possible.  We do not want the brilliant things that we do and learn to be hidden.   We want to encourage our children to aspire to great things and for the light of their lives to shine and make a difference in their classrooms, throughout the school and when they return home and into their community. 

 

In addition to letting their light shine on others, we want our children to recognise the value of their own light: to be proud of their personal achievements; to value and respect themselves; and to know how loved they are both by God and by others. We aim to develop a Growth Mindset so that the members of our school are able to face the future with hope and aspiration and embrace all that life has to offer.

The words of the Sermon on the Mount remind us that a light should not be put under a bowl – it should give light to everyone, including oneself.   In possession of God’s light and His love, it is possible for us all to show something of his light in our families, in our school, in our community and throughout the world.

Picture News - Learning from the world around us

Picture News is our resource for collective worship once a week for the whole school. It gives the opportunity for children to learn about themselves and the world we live in as well as developing respect for other’s beliefs, feelings and faiths. It encourages exploration, discussion and challenge through a current news story and thought-provoking questions. We believe it brings the world closer to children’s everyday lives. Picture News links to a Christian value, and to our Big Frieze, as well as relevant Bible stories and verses, talk time, reflection and prayers. We also discuss the link to our British values and UN Rights of a Child (click icon to find out more about Picture News).

 

Picture News in EYFS

Reception and someties KS1 will have collective worship in class using Picture News resources adapted for younger children. They use a poster and key question as a stimulus to take part in a speaking and listening activity whilst introducing new vocabulary. Children learn from the news and are encouraged to share their ideas, thoughts and feelings, giving opportunities to develop confidence. Children learn to respect others as they develop an awareness that we are all different and have different responses.

 

Picture News At Home

‘Picture News at Home’ is a resource children can take home to use as a stimulus for further discussion and challenge with their parents and families. It provides opportunity for children to have a voice and encourages them to show their thoughts, feelings and opinions on current affairs that impact them.

 

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