The St Peter’s Way
The St Peter’s Way is an approach which is carried over into every interaction between every member of our school community – staff, children, parents and governors. During our assemblies, we discuss how our school is like a small family, where we can all act with tolerance, respect and kindness towards each other.
Staff model 'The St Peter's Way'. We treat our children and each other, with the courtesy and respect we wish to engender in them. The results are apparent when you visit the school. This really is a caring environment and our children do act as if they are members of a family. Obviously there are times when some fall short and act in a manner a little removed from the St Peter's Way! But we use these occasions as opportunities for learning, allowing them to reflect on how they might have acted differently. It is far more common that our children provide us with opportunities to celebrate when they show each other the kindness and compassion central to the St Peter's Way.
The St Peter's Values
Three core values are fundamental to the St Peter’s Way. They are Love, Courage and Wisdom.
Love
We are a family. We expect every member of our community to act in a loving and caring manner towards others at all times.
Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others
Courage
Developing confidence in children is key. Many children struggle to achieve their full potential because they are afraid of failing. At St Peter's, we try to generate an atmosphere where children have the courage to take risks, whether that is in trying new things or, for those who lack confidence, to simply put their hands up and answer questions.
Allied to this, we want every child to develop the courage to challenge injustice when they encounter it, and to play their part in developing a better world for all.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Wisdom
We wish our children to develop their wisdom by increasing their knowledge in every area of learning. We also strive that they develop the wisdom to guide their behaviour and decisions, and to develop wisdom from instances where their judgement is unsound.
Ephesians 5 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity
The St Peter’s Child
Our children are at St Peter’s for seven years. We have identified the characteristics we wish to develop in our children by the time they leave our school. These are presented in the following statements:
- They should have a continued desire to learn, to improve and succeed, and have the resourcefulness to apply themselves to doing so.
- They must be brave; open to new experiences and challenges.
- They must be resilient and see failure as a step towards success.
- They must be confident in their own feelings of self-worth and not be reliant on external judgements of success.
- They will also realise that their happiness is dependent on the happiness of those around them. They will be mindful of the needs of others and be courageous when faced with injustice and in how they react to those who require kindness and support.