Raynsford Academy Ethos

At Raynsford Church of England School, we believe that each of us, children and adults, are uniquely made and a gift from God. As a Church of England school, with Christian values at the heart, we provide a safe, inspiring and nurturing environment school community for all. Those who are Christian, of other faiths or none, are equally welcomed here.

We aim for all children to display our values, rooted in Christian teaching and enable each child to reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on celebrating our uniqueness, incorporating our diversity and differences in an engaging curriculum.

We aspire for everyone to flourish; academically, spiritually, socially and morally. We believe teaching and learning fosters curiosity and wonder in an ever-changing world, whilst celebrating the success of the whole child and as part of our community

Values

At Raynsford, through our shared Christian values, our vision is to encourage loving ‘FRIENDS’ who are:

Forgiveness

Respect

Inclusive

Empathetic

Neighbouring

Determined

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Summer 1

This half term we are exploring:

Neighbourly

Our Award Winners


Asia Class - Rayan	Antarctica - Fay	Oceania - Isabelle	South America - Tilly

North America - Florence	Africa - Jacob	Europe - Effie

This half term we are exploring how to be a good neighbour.

To start our half term off, we have a guest speaker; Ross Knight. Ross works for a Christian charity called Young Life, who strives to support young people by providing opportunities to meet weekly with other young people while explaining and exploring the Bible and clearly sharing the Gospel. Ross tells the story of ‘The paralysed man’; this can be found in the New Testament in Mark 2:1-12. Four friends knew Jesus was close and that their paralysed friend needed to see him, they stopped at nothing to get him in front of Jesus, to get the help he needed .

This teaches us how we should care and look out for others; paying attention to their personal and individual needs. Showing us that being a good neighbour is something we all should look to show to everyone unselfishly. Being considerate, tolerant and understanding of others and their different lifestyles, helping us build a successful and loving community where everyone feels welcome and safe.Just like the four friends, at Raynsford, we seek to support and look out for each other, giving everyone the best chance at being successful in all they do.

1 John 4:7

“Let us love one another for love is from God.”

Psalm 133:1

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

Proverbs 3:29

“Do not plan harm for your neighbour because they live near you with trust.”

Mark 12:31

“Love your neighbour as yourself.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Encourage one another and build each other up.”

Isaiah 56:7

“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.”

Prayer for Summer 1

Lord, teach me to be a good neighbour.

Give me the courage and patience to love and help without expectation.

To listen and look out for others,

helping them as best as I can in the way that they need.

Thank you for giving me feelings and understanding.

Help me to be a good neighbour by caring and protecting others,

by using the knowledge and talents you have given me.

I ask this in the precious name of Jesus.

Amen

Spring 2

This half term we are exploring:

Empathy

To start our half term off, we have guest speaker; Nick Angell, a pastor from one of our local churches. Pastor Angell tells the parable of ‘The good Samaritan’; this can be found in the New Testament in Luke 10:27-37. Jesus often told parables in the Bible to answer questions He was asked, to explain and demonstrate how we are called to live and act.

This teaches us that empathy is something we all should have towards everyone and anyone, not just those that are our friends and we have similarities with. Empathy is loving without judgement, understanding others’ feelings and actions through our own experiences and understanding. The good Samaritan showed us that giving to and loving others should be done with an open heart and open arms - Just as God loves us.

1 Corinthians 13:4

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.”

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Prayer for Spring 2

Lord, teach me to be empathetic.

Give me the strength and grace to

love without limit or judgement.

To listen and seek to understand,

using what you have given and taught me, to know and help others.

Help me to take opportunities to help and support all,

looking out for everyone individually, since you have made us all unique.