Our Vision, Values and SHINE Principles
At St Martin's our vision is driven by the desire for our children, staff and wider school community to 'Be the best they can be for themselves, each other and God's world'
This vision is explicitly grounded in Jesus’ words:
“I have come that you may have life, life in all its fullness.” (John 10:10)
This teaching reveals God’s intention that every person should flourish—spiritually, morally, socially and academically—becoming who God created them to be.
This vision is communicated through our core Christian values of Kindness, Hope, Love, Mercy, Faith and Grace.
To support children with understanding what the vision and values look like in practice, we follow our SHINE principles.
These principles are discussed regularly with the children in whole school assemblies and in classes but also on an individual basis when celebrating behaviours or when supporting children to understand how to make better choices.
The concept of SHINE also highlights that we want children to shine in all they do and to consider Jesus as the the light of the world and how Christians are guided by his example.
Theological underpinning of our SHINE Principles:
We Show we care through what we say and do (linked to school values: kindness, love, mercy)
We are Honest and take responsibility (linked to school values: faith, mercy)
We are Inquisitive learners (linked to school values: hope, faith)
We Never give up, even when learning is tricky (linked to school values: grace, faith, hope)
Everyone matters (linked to school values: kindness, mercy, faith, love, hope and grace)
Showing that we care through what we say and do (S) is rooted in loving God and loving your neighbour as yourself. Love is not just a feeling but is demonstrated through our actions and words. Children also recognise this SHINE principle in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) which highlights the true care which is shown through our deeds.
We are honest and take responsibility (H) is rooted from one of the 10 commandments in Exodus 20:16. Honesty is essential for building trust within a community and it is a path to spiritual growth. Honesty links with responsibility as we are each accountable for our own actions and Romans 14:12 tells us that we will “each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” which encourages us to live life truthfully.
Being an Inquisitive learner (I) links to Jesus as a teacher who often encouraged questions and used parables to provoke thought and deeper understanding among his followers. In Luke 2:46-47 Jesus was found in temple courts, among teachers, listening to them and asking questions. The inquisitiveness element of our SHINE principles encourages our St Martin’s community to explore and understand faith deeply. By being an inquisitive learner, it leads to greater wisdom, deeper faith and a more profound understanding of God’s world and the world around us.
Never giving up (N) reminds us to persevere when things get tough. There are many examples in the bible of key figures persevering in faith despite hardship or trials - Eg. Abraham, Job and Jesus. We find in Romans 5:3-5 that perseverance leads to character (spiritual growth) and character leads to hope.
The SHINE Principles Everyone matters (E) is rooted in several key biblical teachings and principles including loving your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39) as this commandment recognises the value of every individual, as loving others is a reflection of God’s love for us. Children will also recognise this principle in the parable of the lost sheep. In Luke 15:3-7 the parable illustrates that every person is valuable and worth seeking out. Children of all faiths and no faith are valued as individuals and themes of respect and tolerance are woven throughout our work at school.
