As a church school, Christian beliefs and values are at the heart of our ethos. We promote Christian values through our curriculum and give our pupils the opportunity to explore their own spirituality, ask questions and make their own choices about their personal beliefs.

ALL Together: Aspire Love Learn

Our school is a welcoming, inclusive community where everyone is valued and respected. We strive to provide a strong sense of self-worth in all our children by encouraging and celebrating curiosity, aspiration and respect. We are ALL part of a very special school family with a strong Christian ethos and Christian values at the heart of our provision.

Our Christian vision, everyone counts, is inspired by the parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13: 31-32) which tells us that from a tiny seed, a great tree will grow so that all the birds of the air can make their home in it. We believe that our school is like that great tree, providing a safe and nurturing place in which everyone has the opportunity to flourish, explore faith and reach their God-given potential. At Castleton C of E School, we are ALL part of a very special family.

Our vision and curriculum

Our Christian values of Hope, Respect, Friendship, Forgiveness, Perseverance and Honesty link to our curriculum drivers of Independence, Resilience, Curiosity and Aspiration. There are lots of examples throughout our school community of these in action in and outside the classrooms.

Hope and Forgiveness

Hope and Forgiveness- inspired by the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32)

This story is about a father (who represents God) who never gives up on his wayward son. He is always watching and waiting for him to return.

Jesus is teaching that in God's eyes everyone is worthy of forgiveness. No matter how challenging life becomes there is always hope and the possibility of a fresh start.

Respect

Respect - inspired by the way Jesus welcomed and affirmed children, (Matthew 19: 13 - 24)

In a society when only adult men were given status and rights, Jesus turned convention on its head by rebuking the disciples for trying to send away the children who were waiting to meet him.

He said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to people such as these.

Jesus is teaching us that every person counts no matter their age, background or social standing.

Friendship

Friendship - Inspired by the book of proverbs (Proverbs 17:17)

 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

This proverb teaches us that building lifelong friendships is important, it will make us stronger and help us to face the future together as one.

Perseverance

Perseverance - inspired by the parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15: 11-32)

A farmer has 100 sheep and realises he has lost one when bringing them home for the night.  He does not accept that the sheep is gone, and although tired and weary he instead goes back out and searches every hidden corner, every dark bush until he finds his missing sheep.  He does not give up on that one sheep until he has found it.

This teaches us the importance of perseverance and not giving up; having the confidence to continue to show our faith in that God will answer our prayers.

Honesty

Honesty- inspired by the parable of Jesus and Zacchaeus (Luke 19)

Zacchaeus was a tax collector who was very rich but had not always gained his riches in an honest way.  He climbed a sycamore tree to witness the visit of Jesus to Jericho.  Jesus brought him down from the tree and asked to stay at his house.  After his visit Zacchaeus declared he was going to give half his belongings to the poor and would pay people four times back what he had cheated from them.  He had realised the error of his ways and no longer wanted to live a dishonest life.

Jesus teaches us that it is better to live a life with honesty and repentance; that our world is a much better place to live if we trust in God and in each other.

Proverb (11: 3) If you are good, you are guided by honesty.

Collective Worship

We have whole school Collective Worship three times a week and Class Worship twice a week.