Christian Values

We are very proud of our Church school values which underpins our inclusive ethos. These values were selected by our school community and we aspire to use these values to enable us to Believe, Inspire and Excel in our everyday lives.

On the Primary site we aim for our Christian values of ‘Love, Courage, Truth, Respect and Friendship’ to be found in practice throughout the school. They help to inform our Christian understanding of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Christian Values (Primary)

Courage: Having the strength to do what is right and true. Do not give in to fear or discouragement.

Truth: Saying what we mean and meaning what we say (living with integrity).

Respect: Valuing each other and celebrating our differences.

Friendship: Caring and sharing. Overcoming our differences and working together.

Love: Caring enough to put others before ourselves. Selfless service to others.

Christian Values (Secondary)

Courage: Enduring in our commitment to what is right and true - not giving in to discouragement. As humans there are going to be times when we are scared and this is nothing to be ashamed about. We need to have the courage to confront the issue, to ask for support and to help others.

2 Timothy 1:7 ‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.’

Old Testament example: Moses

Moses returned to Egypt to confront his adoptive family and force them to left the Hebrew slaves go. He had the courage to go in front of the Pharaoh to demand for something and when he was told no he kept returning. “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning and confront Pharaoh as he goes to the river and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” (Exodus 8)

New Testament example: The friends of the paralysed man

“Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”(Mark 2:4-5)

They had the courage to get up on the roof of someone’s house, cut a hole in the roof and lower the man down through it interrupting what Jesus was saying below.

There courage was rewarded as the man was healed.

Respect

Respect: Valuing each other and celebrating our differences. We believe in having respectful relationships with each other and our environment. To think about others when we make our choices and respect the differences, promote equality, understanding and tolerance. 

Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Old Testament example: Daniel

“So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?” The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” (Daniel 6)

Daniel showed respect for God although he lived in a community that did not. We need to value each other and celebrate our differences.

New Testament example: The parable of the good Samaritan

It is about a traveler who is left half dead on the road. First a Jewish priest and then a Levite comes by, but both avoid the man. Finally, a Samaritan happens upon the traveler. Although Samaritans and Jews despised each other, the Samaritan helps the injured man. 

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”(Luke 10:36-38)

People (including those who are different from us) are equally valuable and we should treat others with care and respect. 

Trust

Trust: Sharing responsibility for each other and refusing to live in doubt and suspicion. As a community we need to trust each other, be honest and take responsibility for our own actions. 

Psalm 121:3 “He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber.”

Old Testament example: Noah

God told Noah he had to build the ark. Noah had to trust God because what he was being told sounded extremely unlikely and he knew people would think him strange. “Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made.” (Genesis 7:4)

Trusting God saved Noah and his family.

New Testament example: The miraculous catch of fish

“Jesus said to Simon: "Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch. And Simon answered, 'Master, we have toiled all the night and took nothing!'" (Luke 5:4b-5a). Peter, who had years of experience with fishing was being told what to do by a carpenter. Simon knew during the night there was a much greater prospect of a good catch. If one did not catch anything during the night, the chances of a good catch during the day were even smaller. Yet he put his trust in Jesus and put the nets back out and they caught so much fish they needed additional help to get the nets out of the water.

Kindness

Kindness: Showing others they are valuable by how you treat them. We put ourselves in other people’s shoes and show concern and care for others. We look after one another and can put others before ourselves.

Galatians 6:10 “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.”

Old Testament example: Ruth and Boaz

Ruth came from afar to look after her mother in law Naomi who was alone after the death of her husband and sons. Ruth gave up her friends and her home and moved to look after Naomi. They were struggling but Boaz, a local farmer showed kindness towards them. “Boaz inquired concerning the stranger he saw and ordered her to be well treated.” (Ruth 2:5)

New Testament example: Healing the leper

Lepers were considered outcasts in Jesus’ time. They lived separately and were seen as “unclean” and “untouchable”. But Jesus, taking pity on the leper, healed him of his disease.  He didn’t see the man as a leper but a human being who was sick and needed his help. Through this, Jesus taught us that kindness should go beyond social stereotypes. We should look at where they’re coming from and understand their circumstances. Only then can we develop genuine compassion. “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.” (Matthew 8)

Collective Worship 

Click here to view the Collective Worship Schedule for Primary

Click here to view the Collective Worship Schedule for Secondary

News

November 2024

An introduction to the work of the School Pastors this year.

This is the third year that the School Pastors have been working with us and year on year they are becoming increasingly involved in school life. We currently have four School Pastors; Sally, Zeta, Andrew and Paul.

The School Pastors are continuing to be on site for lunch time every Friday. They are not just here for the students but also for all staff. They are happy to help you, just have a chat about whatever you like (such as the football) or you can ask them a question if you like. 

On Friday afternoons some students are getting the opportunity to complete some small group activities with the School Pastors. These sessions are about building confidence, thinking about how to deal with difficult situations and looking at emotional literacy. These are new this academic year and have proven very popular with students. 

The School Pastors have also been attending some RE lessons to discuss being committed to their faith and have led Collective Worship for each year group on the topic of looking after our environment. 

You might spot them also attending or helping at a range of events including our House events and at our school productions.

November 2024

The whole school observed a 2 minute silence on Monday 11th November to remember those who have died in conflict.

Yr 11 students carrying out their 2 minute silence at the War Memorials in school. 

Mr King led Collective worship assemblies w/c 11th November. He shared stories from soldiers who fought in the battle of Kohima during World War 2. He told students how soldiers fought together, regardless of their race or religion. 

October 2024

This weeks collective worship on the Secondary site has a range of students leading sections. Not only are they reading Bible quotes and talking about what respect means for them but there is a surprise video (click here to view) from our students on the Primary site. Thank you to Mrs Greaves and Mrs Clarke for organizing and supporting the students.

October 2024

Thank you to parents and children for all your kind donations for the Isle of Wight Food Bank.

Thank you to everyone who supported our first Harvest festival on the secondary site by donating food. All donations have been given to the Isle of Wight Food Bank which is supported by the Christian charity, The Trussell Trust. Those in year eight to eleven, your donations were collected in time to also be on display at the Year 7 Open Evening for all our visitors to see.

September 2024

Bible Club 

At Bible club last week, the children planted daffodil bulbs in the living cross at the entrance to the school. They learnt about the story of Creation and talked about the need to look after our world. They hope their daffodils will bloom and make people smile at the beginning of Spring.

International Day of Peace

Saturday the 21st September was International Day of Peace. Leading up to this, as part of their collective worship students made origami doves in their tutor groups. It was really tricky and needed resilience but the results have been amazing. The pictures are of Miss Clarke's tutor display. Every student made a dove and wrote either a prayer or message of peace on them. Really well done to all students.

June 2024

Secondary Collective Worship - Kindness

The school values for this term are kindness and trust

andcollectiveworship has been centered around Kindness. We have looked at how we can be kind to the environment and the world around us. During the worship students and tutors were set a challenge to create an item out of recycled materials in just five minutes. We have had a range of items including watering cans and those not so practical such as rockets. There have even been clothing items!

Remembering 80 years since D-Day

Year 6 pupils represented The Bay CE School at Pentecost Sunday service on 19th May at Christ Church, remembering 80 years since D-Day. Lexi S, Layla-Mai C and Harry W read a poem during the service. They also took part in the unveiling of HMS Sandown bel plaque and information panel and helped to plant a remembrance rose. 

May 2024

Collective worship assemblies (Primary)

Patience - click here

Compassion and Caring - click here

Respect - click here

April 2024

The children on the primary site made banners to depict the Easter story.  These were displayed at Christ Church over the Easter period.

March 2024

March 2024

The School Pastors have been taking Collective Worship this week on showing courage. Sally, Paul, Andrew and Zeta included jokes, a blindfold activity and gave some personal accounts of when they have had to show great courage. They als  reminded students that Christians believe Jesus showed great courage when he was arrested and killed.

March 2024

Dr King delivering Collective Worship on having the courage to be yourself. 

February 2024

Thank you to Reverend Mark Williams who came in this week to take assemblies about Lent. He talked about the sacrifices Jesus made and how pancake day came about.

Students and staff even took part in a pancake tossing competition.

February 2024

Reverend Mark Williams leads collective worship every Wednesday at the primary site. While our school hall has been out of action, he has led the worship through a video link. Please click on the links below to watch the collective worship. This has been through a recorded video link.

Tolerance

Kindness

Generosity

Responsibility

Curriculum

Click here to view The Bay CE School Whole School RE Curriculum. 

Click here to view The Bay CE School (Primary) RE Curriculum with British Values. 

Latest News

February 2024

Thank you to Reverend Mark Williams who came in this week to take assemblies about Lent. He talked about the sacrifices Jesus made and how pancake day came about.

Students and staff even took part in a pancake tossing competition.

February 2024

Year 10 students made pancakes and learnt about why pancakes were made at the end of lent. 

As students left the class they were asked to complete an exit task. The question was 'Is lent a punishment?' 

December 2023

Voices of The Bay Choir

Our choir were in high demand in the run up to Christmas. They entertained the crowds at ‘Sandown Fun Day’, they sang a one hour Christmas themed set from traditional carols to modern day hits. They performed at Holy Trinity Church Bembridge as part of their Candlelit Service. They also performed with primary pupils from Years 3-6 at the Key Stage 3 Christmas Concert at St.John’s Church in Sandown. Click here to watch the video. They received some amazing feedback about their singing, we are very proud of them all. 

Christmas Concerts

Click here to read more about our Christmas concerts. 

December 2023 

Multi Faith Calendar

This year the RE department were overwhelmed with fantastic entries for their multi-faith calendar. We asked students to take inspiration from the words of Jo Cox, a politician who was murdered in 2016. “We have far more in common with each other than that which divides us.” They were asked to create a piece of artwork that focused on the things that we have in common. This could be interpreted in many ways with some choosing to focus on physical things while others looked at concepts and values. Congratulations to the 13 winners whose pieces are in our 2024 Calendar. Addy Lancaster, Holly Taylor, Stirling Grevatt, Alfie Gornowicz, Ruby Hobbs, Rosie Lyon, Holly Tayler, Rufus George, Ruby Martin, Ellen Roles, Lucas Eve, Ebonie Stokes All the winners received a goody bag of goodies along with a copy of the calendar. The calendar is used across both sites of the school and we also give visitors copies. Please ask at reception if you would like a copy. Well done to all students, it was really tough to pick the winners this year as the level was so high.

December 2023

Christmas Card Design Competition

Congratulations to the following students who were selected as the winners of our Christmas Card Competition. The winning design has been made into Christmas cards to be sent out from the school. Winner: Ava L - Year 8. Runners up:  Layla K - Year 9, Aleksander P - Year 8. The designs are really impressive. Well done!

November 2023

Charity Cheque Presentations 

Students from Yellow House visited Mountbatten Isle of Wight in October to hand over a cheque for £6220.67 raised through Yellow House Walk in the summer term. Thank you to all of our school community who sponsored our students and raised such an impressive amount for Yellow House's charity.

Red House welcomed a representative from the RSPCA into their assembly this week. She accepted a cheque for £827.58 raised on Red House Community Day last academic year. Click here to read a copy of the thank you letter from the RSPCA.

Blue House visited Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat to hand over a cheque for £1079 raised on Blue House Community Day. 

October 2023 

Year 5 children had the opportunity to ask Reverend Mark questions about God. The children had formulated their own probing questions to inquire about how God created the world; why God allows bad things to happen; and whether God knows everyone's names, to recite a few. Reverend Mark commented on how effectively the children asked questions, particularly noting the quality and depth of their inquiries.

Harvest Festival 

The primary site enjoyed the annual Harvest Festival at St. John’s Church in Sandown. Year 6 led the service speaking about the significance of Harvest and reading verses from the Bible. Year 1 painted pictures of blue tractors, which they proudly held up for everyone to see.

All the children across the school from Year 1 to Year 6 sang with great enthusiasm.

Thank you to parents and children for all your kind donations for the Isle of Wight Food Bank

October 2023

On Friday 13th October we were privileged to welcome the Most Rev. and the Rt Hon. the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby into our school.

Archbishop Justin was welcomed by a samba band as soon as he stepped out of the car. Inside, he heard a joint choir from the primary and secondary sites singing ‘Ten thousand reasons’, and then prayed for both parts of the school as he prayed over two commemorative plaques. He spent time in the school's library, where Yasmin Smith and others asked him questions.

He then took part in two student conferences with pupils from the Bay C of E School and Niton Primary School, where he was asked more questions about his faith and his role. Among them were queries about the Bible verse that had helped him the most, his attitude towards fossil fuel as a former oil executive, and his role at the Queen's funeral and the King's Coronation. He described one of his proudest moments as being with refugees last week in Armenia.

Then he had a chance to meet parents picking up their children from the primary site of the Bay C of E school, and then spoke to staff after the school day was over.

Bram Lorenz, whose son Buddy, aged 7, goes to the Bay C of E School, said: "You don't expect to run into the Archbishop when you are picking up your child from school, but he was very relaxed and we appreciated it."

Archbishop of Canterbury Visit

Thank you to Ian Plested for capturing the photographs of the day.

September 2023

The Bishop of Portsmouth visits The Bay CE School

We were delighted to receive a visit from Rt Rev Dr Jonathan Frost, Bishop of Portsmouth, to our school on Wednesday. He was thrilled to meet pupils and staff, who welcomed him to our school community. He started at the primary site with a tour around the classrooms, then he was led by four Year 6 pupils as they walked him over to the secondary site.

At the secondary site he was joined by some Year 7 pupils, who, along with the Year 6 pupils, asked him a variety of interesting questions such as...

What can the church do to support mental health?

How would you motivate people to find out more about Christianity?

Do you think it’s important for all students to study RE in school and why?

What is your favourite part of being a Bishop?

What was your favourite subject at school?

After listening with great interest to the pupils and chatting through their questions, he had a tour of the secondary site.

September 2023

Congratulations to Holly T for winning the Transition Prayer Project Competition. Holly's entry talked about our school values in practice in everyday life. Her prayer became our school prayer for the week and was displayed in reception. It will be in the prayer book in reception for the whole year. Thank you to everyone who entered, every entry received House points and Holly also received a prize.

March 2023

Y1-Y6 classes visited St John’s Church for our Easter service led by Year 4. We were treated to beautiful singing, clear narration and a reminder of the meaning of Easter. Well done all!

January 2023

Year 6 House Captains and Vice Captains leading Collective acts of Worship across the school.  This worship focused on our school value – courage.