OUR SCHOOL VALUES

The six values of Lady Boswell’s School help us to see what it means to ‘love like Jesus’. We hold to the following biblical values as we promote a culture that first recognises and esteems each value in God himself, shown to the fullest extent through Jesus. This will lead us to long to know him and to be like him. Having been forgiven by him, Christian people live in him and display his own character in their words and actions.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan reflects our Christian school Values. It is a wonderful example of godly KINDNESS. It demonstrates that kindness often requires something of us—a sacrifice of time, plans, privacy, or our own personal desires. The Good Samaritan interrupted his travel plans to help a stranger. When Jesus told the Parable of the Good Samaritan to explain that people should LOVE everyone, including their enemies. It tells us that love is action and illustrates the fundamental truth that “loving God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind” is not possible unless you also “love your neighbour as yourself. It is easy to love friends and family, but it is much more difficult to love those who you may not get along with, or even those who may harm or hurt you. To FORGIVE and show love to your enemies is to truly love as Christ did. The parable shows love and forgiveness are received by FAITH. The man who has been robbed and left on the side of the road can do nothing to make himself better, but only entrust himself into the care of the Samaritan. It is a picture of how we do not earn God’s love or forgiveness, but we receive it by faith as we entrust ourselves into his care. The parable makes it clear that people (including those who are different from us) are equally valuable and that we should treat others with care and RESPECT. Jesus does not give us a shallow picture of love (as the lawyer may have wanted him to). But tells this story to give us an HONEST picture of the costly love he has for us that we can share with others. Jesus told this story to illustrate what it means to keep one of God’s commandments in the Bible: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’, and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’.

RESOURCES Bock, Darrell L. Luke (Volume 2). (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007. Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion Volume 1. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006. Edwards, James R. The Gospel According to Luke. (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Grand Rapids: William B Eerdmans Publishing, 2015. Ryle, J. C. Expository Thoughts on the Gospels. Louisville: GLH Publishing, 2012.

                             THEOLOGICALLY ROOTED CHRISTIAN VALUES
 

Our school values are all reflected in the parable of the Good Samaritan, as well as being rooted in other passages throughout the Bible.

FAITH God is always faithful in keeping his word, especially in the person of Jesus. Key Bible Verse: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Key Bible Story: Abraham, in Genesis 15:1-6, who trusted the promises God had made to him, even though it didn’t seem possible, and obeyed God.

RESPECT God is the rightful ruler of all, and Jesus is the perfect example of what it is to honour him as well as the earthly authorities he has established. Key Bible Verse: Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers. 1 Peter 2:17

Key Bible Story: Daniel, in Daniel 6, who wisely honoured the king in a foreign land but risked his life to serve and obey God above all else.

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind … Love your neighbour as you love yourself

HONESTY God is the one who always and only speaks words of truth, and Jesus himself is full of God’s truth. Key Bible Verse: Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15 Key Bible Story: David, in 2 Samuel 12:1-14, who sinned greatly, but later confessed his sin and admitted his guilt before God.

KINDNESS God is perfectly loving and compassionate, and through Jesus his kindness is demonstrated to the undeserving. Key Bible Verse: But the fruit of the Spirit is… kindness. Galatians 5:22 Key Bible Story: Ruth, in Ruth 1, who stayed with her mother-in-law in a foreign land even though it was not her own home.

FORGIVENESS God is the Father who gave up his own Son, Jesus, and in doing so extended grace and peace to sinners. Key Bible Verse: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 Key Bible Story: Joseph, in Genesis 45, who showed grace and generosity to his brothers who had sold him into slavery

LOVE God is the ever-loving Father who provides for and protects his people, and who most especially reveals his love through Jesus who died to bring them to him. Key Bible Verse: This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 Key Bible Story: Jonathan, in 1 Samuel 20, who loved God’s king David at great danger to himself.

                   LOVE IN ACTION - WHAT MIGHT THIS LOOK LIKE IN PRACTICE?

COURAGEOUS ADVOCACY

We believe in nurturing not only academic excellence but also the development of well-rounded individuals with strong moral character.  One crucial aspect of character-building is instilling COURAGEOUS ADVOCACY in our children.   

Courageous advocay is about, like the Good Samaritan, helping others and standing up for what is right, even when it's challenging or unpopular.  It's about using one's voice to advocate for justice, equality and kindness in our communities and beyond.  We encourage our children to be resilient, resourcefull and courageous, not afraid to speak out against injustice and to be proactive agents of positive change.

Furthermore, we foster a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel empowere to express their opinions and take meaningful action.  Whether it's through community service projects, fundraising efforts, or advocacy campaigns.

INWARDS e.g.

From the very first entry to school children are allocated a Year 6 Buddy who takes care of them and eases transition into school.  Children taking on a myriad of roles involving caring for others within the school and our local community.  For example, leading worship, School or Eco Council, being Peer Mediators or Science Ambassadors.  We provide opportunities for students to engage in discussions, debates and projects that encourage critical thiking and active participation in addressing societal issues. 

Early starts at school events for children with neuro diversity so they can enjoy things like the Summer fete,

OUTWARDS e.g.

• Charity work including:-

• FOM
•  The shoe box appeal
• Cancer research

•  Reaching out to our local community
• Food banks

UPWARDS e.g.

• Prayer using the teachings of the Gospels to love others as Jesus loves us.
• Prayer day focussing on helping others.
• Prayer corners