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At Edge Grove, we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom. Our mission is not only to provide academic excellence but also to develop young people of character – children who live with kindness, act with integrity, and grow into responsible, respectful members of society.

Our 16 Core Values serve as the foundation for this vision, guiding the way we learn, interact, and contribute to our school community and beyond. These are shared directly and, as much as possible, indirectly into their lives each day. Mrs Wright, Senior Deputy Head Pastoral, has done wonders to bring the children closer to each value by selecting a different one to focus on every two weeks.  During this time, she makes a point of highlighting and speaking about the chosen value during our Wednesday morning assemblies. This is then followed up by form teachers as they spend time discussing with their form groups how they receive, interpret, and understand practicalities where the children see themselves modelling each value or not. In other words, relevance.

However, for these values to truly become real, alive, and meaningful, they must be more than just words on a wall or lessons in an assembly. Children catch values and they need to see them in action—modelled consistently by the people they look up to the most: their parents, family members, and teachers.

Values Are Caught, Not Just Taught

Children learn values not simply by being told about them but by observing and experiencing them in daily life. They “catch” values through the attitudes, words, and actions of those around them. A child who regularly sees kindness demonstrated at home, who witnesses acts of respect between adults, or who experiences the power of humility and empathy first-hand, will naturally internalise these values and reflect them in their own behaviour.

This is why we ask for your support and partnership in reinforcing these values at home. If children see the same principles lived out both at school and within their families, they will come to understand that these are not just school rules, but essential qualities that define who they are and how they should live.

Our 16 Core Values and How to Model Them at Home

Below are some simple yet powerful ways to bring our 16 Core Values to life in everyday moments:

• Confidence – Support them in expressing themselves, trying new things, and believing in their own unique abilities.

• Creativity – Inspire innovation and imagination by encouraging creative play, problem-solving, and artistic expression.

• Determination – Teach resilience by encouraging them to keep going, even when things seem challenging and too much for them to handle.

• Diversity – Expose children to different traditions, books, and experiences that celebrate the fullness of humanity as celebrated through diversity and inclusion.

• Empathy – Encourage them to see things from another person’s perspective and to understand and be sensitive to their feelings.

• Humility – Celebrate successes while staying humble and at the same time recognising the contributions of others.

• Integrity – Demonstrate what having strong moral principles and doing the right thing even when no one is watching needs to look like.

• Kindness – Encourage small acts of kindness, such as writing a thank-you note or helping a sibling with homework.

• Passion – Encourage them to pursue their interests with enthusiasm and in ways that will foster dedication and a sense of empowerment.

• Respect – Model respect through the way you speak to others, listen attentively, and value different perspectives.

• Responsibility – Give children age-appropriate responsibilities at home, teaching them accountability for their actions.

• Risk-taking – Allow them to step out of their comfort zone in safe, supportive environments.

• Sportsmanship – Model fair play, celebrating both wins and losses with grace while still enjoying competing with a will-to-win spirit.

• Tolerance – Discuss differences openly, teaching children to appreciate cultures, beliefs, and opinions different from their own.

• Trust – Build trust by keeping promises, being transparent and reliable, and by showing honesty in all interactions.

• Unity – Show the importance of teamwork and collaboration, both within your family and the wider community.

Our Shared Commitment

At school, we will continue to reinforce these values through our curriculum, assemblies, form discussions, and daily interactions. But for them to become second nature to our children, they must be lived out at home as well.

When children experience a seamless alignment between School and family in the way values are upheld, they develop a deep, authentic sense of character that will serve them for life.

We invite you to talk with your children about these values, point them out when you see them in action, and praise them when they demonstrate them. Together, we can shape not just students, but compassionate, confident, and responsible young individuals who will carry these values forward into the world.