Values are principles, fundamental convictions, ideals, standards or life stances that act as general guides to behaviour or as reference points in decision making.

Values education is a community activity and not an imposition from one person or a pressure group.

We are clear about the values that we wish to emphasise in our school. These have been adopted as a result of a consultation, which included a staff/governor/parent meeting. Most groups produce very similar lists of values as they are not dependent on race, culture, class or religion. A set of universal positive values will emerge that may include:

honesty, peace. humility, freedom, co-operation, care, love, unity, respect, tolerance, courage, friendship, patience, quality and thoughtfulness.

The way that we have introduced values into our school has been dependent on our particular context and the needs of our pupils. This includes an understanding of the needs of the adults too! The effective care of staff is a fundamental principle of values-based education. Considering how our school meets the needs of staff and pupils is a crucial aspect and will draw out issues concerning the valuing of all pupils, showing pupils respect and being authentic as a person - the child soon spots inconsistencies between what adults say and what they do. A good sense of humour is also a pre-requisite.

Our values run on a two- year cycle with one value for each month (excluding August!)

If you would like to know more about Values Education you can visit the Values web site at:  http://www.livingvalues.net

or www.values-education.com

We have been credited with a Values Quality Mark. 

In school we have a Values Tree where the children are awarded leaves for living the values.In Pulloxhill we have a maypole and the children are awarded a value to add around the ribbons.

As a family think carefully about Values.

Understanding what is important to us, individually and as a family; discovering what we care about most; seeing how to value myself and others; common values and shared meanings - a path to harmony; learning to create our future; understanding conflict.
The family remains a source of nurturing, as well as a fertile place for the expression of values, culture and tradition across generations.

Very often the values which underpin our lives are unknowingly inherited, either from parents or from society. But as well as showing us our roots in the past, values point the way to the future - they are our guideposts along the path of tomorrow. It is important to be clear about what is motivating us in life and to be sure that the values we embody are the ethical and positive then the future will reflect that. Likewise negative values will evoke a similar response.

Values are what we care about most. They are the motivating force behind our decisions and actions. When we are not true to our values, when we compromise, we risk robbing ourselves of self-respect.
People care about different things. For example some find justice is their driving force, while for others it is compassion. Values can be shard but their level of priority may differ. So when I can accept that others in the world may not share my particular prioritised set of values, then it is easy to understand why there are such varying opinions. A severe clash of values, whether within ourselves or between each other, is the cause of most conflicts.

So, while recognising our shared universal family values, even though their expressions are diverse and varied through the many traditions, at the same time each family member needs to cultivate respect and appreciation for the uniqueness of every member. At least we can respect those who have the courage to live a life of integrity, a life of being true to what they believe in most.

RESPECT

Every family member should find a time when they can all be together to have their voices h eard in a respectful and safe environment. Family meetings mean that every member of the family feels a part of the family decision-making process and will then feel much more likely to be involved in h household matters. Involvement inspires ownership! It is good to set a regular time when all family members come together to share, discuss, decide and evaluate previous decisions regarding family conflicts and family successes family plans, family fun events and family opportunities to help others.

CARING
Many people today have lost the art, or habit, of being positive - either towards themselves or towards those they love. With some structured practice, it is possible to relearn the art of positive relations.

FORGIVENESS
How often have we wished we could start our lives afresh, as if all our mistakes and perceptions did not hang around our necks like burdens.

COURAGE
There is a belief that if I am affected by someone's behaviour, it is because I too have the capacity for similar behaviour. This may work positively or adversely. We can often put ourselves down too easily. What we are not so terrific at is recognising the good qualities and acknowledging them in ourselves.

APPRECIATION
Most families are not used to verbalising how they feel about each other. Expressing what you like about the other members of the family builds trust and a positive atmosphere.

For these quotes we are grateful for "A Family Pack" ISBN 0 646 21140 4.