School Values

SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT

Learning together, rooted in God, pupils at St Lawrence Church of England Primary School are easy to distinguish by the personal qualities they present. They are happy, confident, articulate children with a love of learning and a sense of service, who recognise and celebrate their own individuality and that of other members of our community. They are generous, kind and welcoming; they are forgiving and understand justice. With God by their side, they face the world with resilience, integrity and joy.

We teach our school values (in bold in the statement above) and British Values through PSHE, daily worship and our topic work in class when applicable. Our termly values (the cycle of which can be found HERE) are shared with parents through the school's weekly newsletter.

School Values Awards

This year was our 4th Annual School Values Awards Ceremony. Since the creation of the awards four years ago, we have been witness to so many examples of children demonstrating our school values in one form or other. Each half-term, we have continued to recognise those children who have best displayed our school values each and every day. In July, we recognised those children who have made truly outstanding contributions to our school values. The Awards are as follows;

The Harry Clarke Articulation Award

The Nicki Detko Confidence Award

Forgiveness

Generosity

Happiness

Individuality

Integrity

The Nicola Lamoury Award for Joy

Justice

Kindness

The Stuart Bolton Resilience Award

The Service Award in honour of Julie Goodwin

Please take a look at the recipients of our School Value Awards.

THE HARRY CLARKE ARTICULATION AWARD

You have consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to articulate your thoughts and ideas with both clarity and precision, setting a shining example to all your classmates. Throughout your short time at our school, you have displayed a remarkable aptitude for expressing yourself eloquently across every single subject. Your maturity and intellectual curiosity shine through in every single interaction. What sets you apart though, is your willingness to help others understand and learn. You go above and beyond to support your friends, demonstrating a natural teaching ability that is rare to find in someone so young. Your exceptional articulation skills set you apart. Your ability to express yourself both verbally and in writing is a testament to your intelligence, hard work, and dedication to achieving your best. As such, it is only fitting that you receive the award for the school value of articulation. You are truly deserving of this recognition for your outstanding contributions to our school community.

THE NICKI DETKO CONFIDENCE AWARD

It is with the greatest pride that we present to you the award of confidence. Over your 7 years with us, we have all been witness to an inspiring transformation in you. A classroom, and by extension a school, is made up of the people in it. They control what the school becomes. However, for that to happen, they need to make their voices heard. Without confidence, you cannot make a change. I can confidently say that you have made a change in your time with us at Barton. So much so, I cannot imagine your class without you in it. At times, it can be a quiet confidence but over the last few years, I can sense the assuredness with which you approach new challenges. In recent months you have overcome problems I would not have believed in years gone by. Your growth in character is what has made teaching you so rewarding. For not only are you confident, but you are confidently kind - confidently caring and confidently compassionate to others. Above all though, you are confidently you. 

THE FORGIVENESS AWARD

You are a shining example of what ‘forgiveness’ should look like. When a classmate has done you wrong, you are quick to accept an apology, forgive and wipe the slate clean. I will always remember when you had been hurt by a classmate and you quickly shook their hand and gave them some words of comfort. This year, you have also shown me what true friendship looks like. When children are in need, you are always the first to offer encouragement, a smile, a helping hand or a hug. You never seem to let grievances take hold and you are quick to restore friendship, end arguments and start again. You are an incredible friend. Never let your wonderful ability to offer a new beginning to others fade away.

THE GENEROSITY AWARD

I am so proud of the way you have exemplified the school value of ‘generosity’ this year. Without exception, you are committed to helping those in need. You generously give up your time to offer a helping hand to your classmates. Selflessly, you use time of your own to ensure that those around you are happy, on task and feel supported. You do this in an understated way that does not disturb anybody else around you. You also offer up your services to the teachers. Without ever being asked, you carry out a multitude of everyday tasks to help out your friends and teachers without ever expecting anything in return. You are truly kind, supportive and a joyful friend who generously gives up everything you can, to support those around you. We are so proud of you!

THE HAPPINESS AWARD

Your cheerful and happy disposition have made you an absolute joy to teach. Your cheeky smile and infectious giggle create such a lively and enjoyable classroom atmosphere and your helpful nature has positively influenced your peers all year long. You have grown in confidence so much throughout Year 1, tackling every task with determination and enthusiasm. The incredible progress that you have made in ALL areas of the curriculum is a testament to this ‘can do’ attitude; always responding to feedback with a smile. From the minute you to try to sneak past me at the gate in the morning with a chuckle, to the end of the day when you bound out to Mummy or Daddy, you are the absolute embodiment of happiness. Please never change! 

THE INDIVIDUALITY AWARD

Individuality is challenging to define. We are all individual in our own way, so how is it that we can give an award for it? How I see individuality is in someone who is so unashamedly themselves that they inspire those around them to express themselves more. To be more themselves too. That is what you bring to our school. Over your time with us, your personality and presence around the school has impacted everyone. You have blazed trails for everyone else to follow, epitomised by you becoming our first ever 'Rose King'. I hope that, after your confidence to take the leap, others follow in your steps. That will be the legacy you leave behind. Over the years I have taught you, it has been a pleasure to get to know you. To see you grow in confidence and express your personality in front of others. I have loved watching your uniqueness shine through in our school play and hope that you continue to pursue your performing talents. Keep being you and it will keep inspiring others around you to be themselves too.

THE INTEGRITY AWARD

Integrity is defined as somebody being honest and having strong moral principles and this is something you do, each and every day. You are an incredible advocate for our school and represent everything we believe in and you do this with such passion and desire. You are a total role model and set the bar really high for yourself and others around you due to your kindness and generosity. You really do lead by example but you are also not afraid to speak out when you believe something isn’t right. You put this across in a very respectful and polite way. You are also incredible at resolving situations and do so in such a sensible and mature approach. You are very highly thought of by your peers and by all the staff because of the way you conduct yourself and the way you treat each and every person. You are always the most honest person in the room and you are always somebody who can be relied upon to always tell the truth. You really are very mature for your age and this is something that certainly helps you to abide by strong morals and knowing the difference between right and wrong. Well done. You absolutely deserve this award and we are all very proud of the amazing young girl that you are.

THE NICOLA LAMOURY AWARD FOR JOY

The Nicola Lamoury Award for Joy is a very special award to me and I couldn’t be happier that this award has gone to someone in my class who has brought so much joy into my life this year as Nicola used to do every single day. Some people might be the life of the room, some might be the soul but you are the true heartbeat of the Year 2 class. You have such a mischievous sense of fun and are always keen to make us all laugh. Every child in the class loves being around you. You radiate joy from the moment you step into the room. You have given us so much joy this year – from your sharp, witty comments to the little pranks you pull – you have brightened up all our days. You have also worked super hard this year and you have seen the wonderful progress that you have made. This has given you so much joy too and for that you should be so proud of yourself. We are all so proud of you. Never change – you are a very special girl.

THE JUSTICE AWARD

Justice can sometimes be challenging to show. It can be even more challenging to spot in action. That is, it seems, unless you are you! In which case, it is not challenging at all, for it seems to inform every move you make. Over your time with us at Barton, I have seen you develop from a shy young girl into a confident and headstrong young woman. Someone with a quiet ferocity. You may not always be the loudest voice in the room, but your voice is the one of reason. Someone who does not accept the normal as the only way forward and is happy to challenge things that need challenging. How you manage to be so headstrong and yet so gentle in your approach to everyone is a remarkable feat. In my experience, a sense of justice is often joined by a heavy hand and a forceful word. Not in your case though. You know when to talk and you know when to listen. You regulate your emotional response to injustice well and I have never once disagreed with how you have approached a situation. Doing what is right is not always easy, yet somehow you still keep smiling, come what may. You set a clear example for all in how to stand up for what is right whilst maintaining respect for everyone around you.

THE KINDNESS AWARD

When I think about children who stand out as being kind, you are the first who comes to mind. Kindness is just part of who you are. You care for others and can see if they are upset. This isn't just children but adults too. You are the first to put an arm round someone you notice looks down or upset and ask if they're alright. When children start school, they have to learn how to share and it can be a tricky business, but you have an inbuilt kindness and will happily share your things with your friends and anyone who asks to play with you. It has been a pleasure to teach you this year. Your kindness and happy spirit have rubbed off on all of us.  

THE STUART BOLTON RESILIENCE AWARD

Since joining our school, you have demonstrated unparalleled strength in the face of all that has come your way. You have faced significant personal challenges in your time with us - more than most, but you tackle them with enviable composure and determination. You carry on, no matter what you are dealing with. Your unwavering work ethic and ability to handle pressure without faltering are truly commendable. Your resilience is not only reflected in your academic achievements but also in your positive attitude and willingness outside of the classroom. In your time here, you have woven yourself into the fabric of our school community and will be sorely missed next year. I wholeheartedly believe that you are deserving of this award for your exceptional ability to persevere in the face of challenge. I have never seen you stumble or hesitate in your determination to succeed despite every obstacle placed in your way. We are all so proud of you and what you have achieved in your time with us here.

THE SERVICE AWARD IN HONOUR OF JULIE GOODWIN

As I write this, the words ‘unsung hero’ spring to mind. I’m not sure there is anyone here, myself included, that truly knows the extent to which you have helped us all over your time with us. Over the last two years, I have had the opportunity to peek behind the curtain and scratch the surface of what you undertake, quite often of your own accord, to help us. What I have seen is a remarkable enough feat. And that is only what I have seen. I think the truth goes even deeper and truly highlights what makes you remarkable. You have never once needed thanks. You don’t advertise what you do…you don’t do it for appreciation. You genuinely, whole-heartedly, do it to help. To try and make a difference. So, on behalf of everyone at Barton - thank you. Thank you for making Barton what it is today. Thank you for all the little things. The evenings lost. The odd jobs picked up. The messes cleared without being asked. The tidying. The organising. The help. The support. The selflessness of someone who truly demonstrates service to their community around them. Thank you for it all.

Take a look at our previous winners too.

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