At St Christopher’s, we often say that our school rules are simple, but powerful: Try Hard. Be Kind. Take Care. These three values guide everything we do, from the youngest Reception pupils taking their first steps in the classroom to our confident Year 8 leading the school by setting an excellent example in everything they do.
Try Hard reminds us that learning is an adventure. Whether a child is tackling their first tricky word, persevering with a science investigation, or representing the school in a match, effort matters most. We celebrate resilience and the joy of giving our best, not just the final result. Children are taught to use a growth mindset and understand that failure is a natural part of improvement. As I say in Assembly, ‘Practice makes progress.’
Be Kind is the heart of our community. With children aged 4 to 13 learning side by side, kindness allows friendships to flourish across year groups. It is in the smile of a Year 7 child helping their Reception buddy tie their laces, or in the encouragement given to others during House competitions. Kindness ensures that every child feels valued, respected, and included and is the most important rule.
Take Care reminds us that responsibility stretches beyond ourselves. We take care of ourselves, each other, our school and the wider world. Our pupils know that taking care of each other means listening, showing empathy, and making thoughtful choices. These habits shape not only good learners but good citizens. Together, these rules form the foundation of who we are as a school. They help each child grow not just in knowledge and skill, but also in character. I am proud of how our pupils live out these values every day, and I look forward to seeing how they shape our world as citizens of the future. If the whole world can reflect the values that St Christopher’s holds dear, it will certainly be a better place.
Ms Elizabeth Lyle, Head