Christian Vision:

“Let Your Light Shine – Matthew 5:16”

Here at Derry Hill School, we are fortunate to be located near and affiliated with Christ Church, Derry Hill, where together we encourage our whole school and community to Let their light shine.  The very fabric of our school is interwoven with our ethos, our vision and our Christian Values, underpinned by the Biblical narrative of ‘Let Your Light Shine.’ Matthew 5:16

During the Sermon on the Mount, found in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses a crowd and reveals eight blessings (known as The Beatitudes).   He then goes on to talk to the crowd about salt and light.

Jesus explains: “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.   No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.   In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16

As a Christian school family, we seek to follow the example of Jesus in all that we do.   We believe that the Sermon on the Mount is a vital chapter in scripture, teaching us to let the light of Jesus shine through us.  We take great encouragement from the words “you are the light of the world”; this reveals to us that Jesus, who himself tells us “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), is within all of us.   We are all God’s children and are called to “give glory” to our Father in heaven through our “good works”.   This reminds us of the importance of our actions. Our actions allow us to let our light shine.   Our actions allow us to share the light of Jesus with those around us

Our Vision Vessel

Christian Values

At Derry Hill C of E (VA) Primary School it is very important that we strive to provide our children with an outstanding education, and as a church school we believe our children receive this education in a school environment that is distinctively Christian in character; which reflects God’s love for humanity through the Christian message. We also ensure that even though the Christian faith is at the heart of our school we recognise, acknowledge and value other faiths and beliefs. Our Christian Values are at the centre of everything we do at Derry Hill C of E (VA) Primary School. Throughout the year we focus on different Christian Values, explicitly through our collective worship time, but also through our curriculum. Children have regular opportunities to reflect on each value and to develop an understanding of the Value in action. We believe these values are empowering our pupils to develop their spirituality and guiding them in personal development as effective learners and good citizens. All children take part in daily Collective Worship which is planned around the school’s chosen values as well as the main celebrations in the Christian calendar. However, there is always flexibility to consider and reflect on current issues.

Our school's Christian Values are Peace, Love, Friendship, Courage, Hope and Trust.  Our Values were chosen by our school community so they are very special to us.  Each half term we focus on one key value.

This term our Christian Value is FRIENDSHIP.  

Friendship is an undisputed value in our society, with children often spending more time with their friends than with family. It is a key concept in the Christian framework, with Jesus being criticised for being ‘the friend of sinners’ and eating with those whom society rejected. Sharing a meal with someone is an explicit sign of friendship and the word ‘companion’ literally means ‘one with whom you share bread.’ Jesus tells stories of the heavenly banquet to which all are invited. The barriers between people are broken down in a loving community around God and Jesus had stern words to say to those who refused to recognise that all are included in this community of friendship.

Click below to view our Home Values Newsletter to support your child in learning about the Christian Understanding of Friendship at home.