Guiding Principles
The Westminster Shorter Catechism, helpfully defines our “chief end” (that is, our primary purpose) as being “to glorify God and to enjoy him forever” (see also 1 Corinthians 10:31). We believe that these twin purposes are not only applicable to individuals, but to all contexts in live, including educational establishments. On this basis, the guiding principle for Melville-Knox Highland is to ‘glorify and enjoy God’ through the education it provides. This can be elaborated further by three subsidiary principles:
1. To develop an understanding of Christian wisdom and character in our pupils, equipping them for life in the 21st century
Any education builds a foundation for a pupil’s life, but we believe that an education based on what God has revealed to us in the Bible will provide the best foundation for life in the 21st century (see Luke 6:46-49). The message God has revealed in the Bible applies to all areas of life and for this reason the school bases all of its subjects on Biblical principles, not just ‘Religious Education’. Through in-depth teaching based on what God has revealed in the Bible, the school seeks to train its pupils to have a deep respect for the Lord (see Proverbs 9:10) and to understand the wonderful spiritual inheritance that comes from such a perspective (see Proverbs 4:7).
We recognise that this spiritual perspective needs to be accompanied by an understanding of our cultural inheritance. In order to be ready for life in the 21st century and to have a positive impact on their own cultural environment, pupils have to be culturally literate. Our school seeks to achieve an understanding of both Christian and secular cultures of the day. Through this cultural equipping, the school seeks to highlight to pupils the positive aspects of the culture they live in, while helping them avoid its dangers and identify aspects of culture that are in conflict with what God has revealed in His ‘handbook of instruction’ for our lives. This is in line with what Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it” (Matthew 7:13-14).
In addition to preparing pupils culturally for life in the 21st century, our school also seeks to support pupils in the development of their character. We see ‘character building’ as a vital aspect of education, and strive to achieve this by communicating God’s standards, correcting bad behaviour, and rewarding good behaviour. We also aim to communicate this through the example we set as Christians in our personal lives.
The school recognises that the primary responsibility for education and character development lies with children’s parents and then later, in increasing measure, with the children themselves as they grow up. We aim to work in close partnership with parents or guardians as well as incorporating the aspirations and wishes of pupils themselves.
We recognise that at times the boundaries in school may be different from those at home. We therefore ask parents to recognise and support the fact that during school hours, the school will run in line with its Christian policies, and that day-to-day procedures in the classroom will be designed in ways that work best for each individual teacher, taking into consideration the needs of the class as a whole.
We pray that, as the Lord blesses their education, pupils will learn wisdom and grow in ‘Christlike character’, so that they are able to successfully navigate through life, avoiding the pitfalls, having a positively impact on the wider culture in which they live, and are both glorifying and enjoying God throughout their lives.
2. To provide its pupils with excellent education
Our school strives to accomplish this aim by doing everything to the highest standards (see Colossians 3:23-24). The school endeavours to do everything to the best of its ability, with diligence and integrity. In order for the school to accomplish this, all the individuals who lead and work in the school need to agree to work towards this goal.
The school promotes high academic standards by maintaining and encouraging a positive learning environment. Such an environment is designed to encourage pupils’ enjoyment of day to day life in the school, and promote a desire within them to strive for excellence in their work. Our aim is to teach children at a level that is appropriate for them, inspire them to working to the best of their ability, and not discourage them by demanding what they cannot achieve.
As much as is possible, teaching is tailored to each individual pupil; with slower learners given the time they need and faster learners provided with extra challenges. In this way we seek to develop each pupil’s individuality and gifts.
3. To be a positive influence in our community
Our school aims to serve the community around it. This is in keeping with what Jesus reminded us: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (see Matthew 5:14-16).
Serving the community includes offering excellent education to anyone, including to those from families of other faiths, or no faith, subject to parents/guardians agreeing to accept the aims and ethos of the school and agreeing to abide by its policies.
We aim to help parents who home-school their children, or have their children in state schools, to fulfil their God-given educational role through conferences and sharing of any resources that we develop.
We also aim to serve the community by actively looking for opportunities such as taking part in clean-ups, visits to provide greater social contact for elderly residents in local care homes, and participating in other activities in the community.
