School values play a pivotal role in shaping the moral and academic landscape of educational institutions. These values articulate the moral and academic expectations for everyone in the school community, ensuring that every child who attends is aware of what the school aims to achieve for them.
Furthermore, school values are instrumental in setting conduct standards, reinforcing the school’s behaviour policy. By teaching and consistently modeling these values, schools not only shape the character of their students but also support the holistic development of each child. This foundation, rooted in school values, equips students with a moral compass that guides them throughout their lives.
The importance of a values-based education cannot be overstated. It’s deeply intertwined with the ethos and principles guiding a school’s operations. When a school has a well-defined system of values, it serves as a benchmark for various facets of school life. This includes the manner in which teaching staff interact with students and the behaviors they exemplify. Such a strong emphasis on school values makes every member more conscious of their accomplishments, pushing them to excel in all dimensions of school life.
What Exactly Are School Values?
Some schools have a few clear values which could be used as a school moto. Others choose a different value each term or half term – these might be values which lend themselves well to whatever is being taught in the school at the time or reflective of events which are going on in the world such as times of increased awareness of global issues.
Examples of school values can easily be found on most school websites; some common examples are:
- Generosity
- Equality
- Love
- Courage
- Friendship
- Patience
The list is endless. If children strive to do better and be better, and this is acknowledged and celebrated, then the school environment becomes a more positive place to learn in, making life easier for the teaching staff as well as the pupils.
How School Values are Taught
One of the wonderful things about having school values is that they can be taught in many different ways: from school assemblies; special challenges; recognition of achievements, as well as discussions and lessons in the classroom. It allows many opportunities to bring the whole school community together in striving to meet them.
The school may choose a particular value to focus on and then do work around that both in a out of the classroom, and even at home. They can be linked to environmental awareness (being green, being resourceful), issues around the world such as helping refugees (helping others, being charitable), or a time of reflection and giving (being generous, being kind).
PSHE and SMSC are all excellent places to start when creating and teaching school values. Not only that, but they also provide a framework of how to teach them within the classroom and set the ethos and positive values that define a community.
The British Values of Democracy, Rule of Law, Respect and Tolerance, Individual Liberty, would also make a good starting point when introducing values to the school. They would work well in conjunction with school councils, class debates and when learning about other cultures in the classroom. It allows children to be active members of the school and learn to express themselves in a positive way.
Reflection and Celebration
An important part of creating and upholding a defined value system is providing regular opportunities for teaching staff and children to celebrate and reflect when the values have been met. Celebration assemblies are brilliant for this, as well as recognition in the classroom and communication with parents and carers.
Time to reflect on why these values are being taught is crucial. Children will struggle to follow something if it has no meaning to them and they do not understand why it is important. School assemblies and visitors to the school can help convey stories to the children that carry important messages and morals. If your school follows a faith, then this can really help to convey important teachings.
The Benefits of School Values
School values play a pivotal role in shaping the ethos of an educational institution. By instilling these values, schools create a unified community where every member feels a deep sense of belonging and purpose. These values aren’t just about academic achievements; they encompass a broader spectrum of accomplishments.
When a school emphasises its values, it’s celebrating more than just grades. It’s recognising the effort a student puts into their work, the perseverance they show when faced with challenges, and the loyalty they demonstrate to their peers and the school community. These values highlight the importance of trying one’s best, adhering to rules, and showcasing personal qualities that might not always be reflected in a report card.
Furthermore, the beauty of school values lies in their inclusivity. Every student, regardless of their academic strengths or challenges, has the opportunity to embody and be recognised for these values. This inclusive approach ensures that all students, from the academically gifted to those who shine in other areas, feel valued and successful. Such recognition can significantly boost a student’s self-esteem, making them more confident in their abilities and more resilient in the face of challenges.
In essence, while academic achievements remain crucial, school values offer a more holistic view of success. They ensure that every student, regardless of their background or abilities, has the chance to feel valued, successful, and an integral part of the school community.
How School Planners Support School Values
In today’s fast-paced world, it is more important than ever for schools to instill strong values in their students. School values are the cornerstone of a child’s education, shaping their character and guiding their development. One effective way to reinforce these values is through the use of school planners.
Incorporating School Values in Planners
School planners are not just tools for organising assignments and deadlines. They can also be customised to reflect the school’s values and serve as a daily reminder to students. For example, a planner can include pages dedicated to the school’s values, with explanations, examples, and space for students to reflect on how they have demonstrated these values in their daily lives. Incorporating school values into planners can be done in various ways:
- Value of the Month: Each month, the planner can highlight a specific value, providing a definition, examples, and prompts for reflection. This approach allows students to focus on one value at a time and integrate it into their daily lives.
- Quotes and Affirmations: Inspirational quotes and affirmations related to the school’s values can be sprinkled throughout the planner. These can serve as daily reminders and encouragement for students to embody these values.
- Reflection Space: Providing space for students to reflect on how they have demonstrated the school’s values can encourage self-awareness and accountability. It can also help students recognise and celebrate their achievements, both big and small.
- Visual Reminders: Visual elements, such as images or illustrations that represent the school’s values, can be included in the planner. These visual cues can serve as a constant reminder of the values the school holds dear.
Benefits of Using School Planners to Support School Values
School planners are often perceived merely as tools for organising assignments and deadlines, but their potential extends far beyond that. They can be strategically customised to mirror the school’s values, serving as a daily reminder to students of the principles that the institution holds dear. For instance, a planner can feature pages dedicated to the school’s values, complete with detailed explanations, real-life examples, and designated spaces for students to reflect on how they have embodied these values in their daily activities.
This innovative approach transforms the planner from a simple organisational tool into a powerful instrument for personal development. It encourages students to actively engage with the school’s values, reflect on their own behavior, and identify areas for improvement. By doing so, the planner becomes a catalyst for self-awareness and growth, helping students to internalise the school’s values and apply them in their daily lives. Ultimately, this not only contributes to the personal development of the students but also fosters a stronger, values-driven school community.
- Reinforces Values: Regularly seeing and reflecting on the school’s values can help reinforce them in students’ minds, making it more likely that they will internalise and embody these values.
- Promotes Reflection: Providing space for reflection encourages students to think about their actions and how they align with the school’s values. This self-awareness can lead to personal growth and development.
- Encourages Accountability: By reflecting on their actions and setting goals related to the school’s values, students can hold themselves accountable for living up to these values.
- Fosters a Sense of Belonging: Seeing the school’s values reflected in their planner can help students feel a sense of belonging and connection to the school community.
- Supports Holistic Development: School values are not just about academic achievement. They encompass a broader spectrum of accomplishments, from showing kindness to demonstrating perseverance. By recognising and celebrating these achievements, planners can support the holistic development of students.
In conclusion, school planners can be a powerful tool to support the reinforcement of school values. By incorporating these values into the planner, schools can provide daily reminders, encourage reflection and accountability, and foster a sense of belonging and holistic development in their students. This approach ensures that every student, regardless of their background or abilities, has the chance to feel valued, successful, and an integral part of the school community.
Discover how our planners can help with your school’s values
Our planners are the perfect place to display your school’s values for everyone to see. Not only that, but they are customisable as well, so you can use your school colours and designs on the pages.