Academy Values
Our Core Christian values underpin the British values, and are closely linked. Core British Values of democracy, the rule of law, tolerance, respect and individual liberty are taught in the context of our strong Christian ethos.
Grace
In Christian terms, grace can be generally defined as “God’s favour toward the unworthy” or “God’s benevolence on the undeserving.” In His grace, God is willing to forgive us and bless us, despite the fact that we fall short of living righteously.
‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Romans 5:8)
‘Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.’ (Romans 15:7)
We aim to reflect God’s love and grace as revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, never settling for less than going ‘the extra mile’ in caring for our students and staff.
Thankfulness
In Christian terms, when Jesus gives thanks, He thanks His Father for being near to His people—for being not only present, but active in a saving, nourishing, and illuminating the way. Food for the hungry. Truth for the disciple. Healing for the dead and dying. The body and blood of Christ for sinners. Jesus thanks His Father for being near.
‘Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful…… And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’ (Colossians 3:15-17)
We aim to be a school that is thankful to God for the education and opportunities we receive, and thankful to one another for every valuable contribution to our community.
Trust
As Christians, what we see all throughout the life of Jesus is that He trusted his Father. He knew His Father, spent time talking to Him, and followed wherever His Father led Him. Jesus lived in poverty, still, He trusted His Father. God sent Him into the hardest situations to love the most challenging people, Jesus still trusted the will of His Father God.
‘When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’ (Psalm 56:3-4)
We aim to be a community that trusts in God, and provides a safe and secure environment in which we can trust one another so that everyone feels valued and is able to share their opinions and grow in confidence.
Justice
In Christian terms, God is just, and His justice is an indispensable part of His character in the same way that His love and mercy are indispensable. Without His justice, sin would run unchecked. Evil would win. We could not respect a god who was not just
‘Justice and righteousness, which always work hand in hand, are the foundation of God’s throne.’ (Psalm 89:14)
We aim to be a community of justice, where we value every person, made in the image of God, regardless of age, gender, ability, sexual orientation, background or religion.
Aspiration
Christians have discovered a way of life based on heavenly goals and “aspirations”
When Jesus was faced with events of great importance, he resorted to his Father—praying all night in some instances.
‘I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.’ (Ephesians 1:18)
We aim to nurture a sense of curiosity and excitement about God’s world that will stimulate our students to search for truth, meaning, purpose and a faith by which to live. We aim to enable them to develop the joy of discovery and the discipline of study for the whole of their lives.
Celebration
As Christians, Celebration is a core aspect of spirituality. The things we celebrate reveal a piece of who we are, a piece of what we value and believe in the most. Christian festivals are times set aside for remembering the good things God has done for His people - pointing us to things He has done for us in the past, reminding us of His provision and mercy for us in the present, and the promise of what He will do for us in the future.
‘This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Psalm 118:24)
Learning in God’s truth and love, we take pride in success and celebrate what we achieve together – academically and creatively.
These values are upheld by all staff, governors, pupils and visitors to the school. This is reflected in the Christian vision and ethos at The King’s Academy, as well as underpinned by Behaviour, Anti-Bullying and Equality Policies. Staff and Governors follow a Code of Conduct which reflects these values, and regular visitors and volunteers to the school also are made aware of the importance of upholding these values. Opportunities are given through the curriculum for pupils to explore core British Values, and robust policies and procedures are in place when these values are not upheld, underpinned by clear Christian principles of reconciliation and forgiveness.