Christian Values-First Approach

Our Christian Values-First Approach is a methodology that prioritises core Christian values such as respect, courage, honesty, perseverance and humility in our activities. When integrated with Project Touchline—where we use rugby and other sports to teach life skills and Christian values to children—this approach becomes a powerful tool for holistic development. Here’s how it works:

What is our Christian Values-First Approach?
Our Christian Values-First Approach is built on the idea that strong moral, spiritual and ethical Christian values should form the foundation of all Christian Values education and personal growth in a Church school. It involves:
  • Embedding Christian Values our Activities: Core Christian values are woven into lessons and interactions, making them a natural part of learning.
  • Modeling Behavior: Coaches and teachers demonstrate these Christian values through their own actions, serving as role models.
  • Reflective Practices: Children are encouraged to think about their choices and behaviours in relation to these Christian values.
Project Touchline: A Platform for Christian Values
Project Touchline uses sports, especially rugby, as a dynamic way to teach life skills and Christian values. It transforms physical activities into opportunities for moral, spiritual and social growth by:
  • Using Sports as a Teaching Tool: The teamwork required in rugby, for instance, becomes a lesson in collaboration, while fair play teaches respect for others.
  • Structured Christian Values-Based Sessions: Each sports session is designed to focus on specific Christian values. Coaches and teachers will stop a game to highlight a moment of empathy or integrity in action.
  • Building Community: The program creates a supportive environment where mentors and peers reinforce these Christian values through their behaviour.
How They Work Together
Our Christian Values-First Approach enhances Project Touchline by ensuring that every activity has a deeper purpose beyond physical fitness. For example:
  • During a rugby game, a coach or teacher will emphasise respect by encouraging players to shake hands with opponents, win or lose.
  • Lessons on responsibility will come from assigning roles within the team, teaching accountability in a real-world context.
  • The physical nature of sports provides immediate opportunities to practice Christian values, making them tangible and relevant.
Why It’s Effective
This combination works because:
  • Engagement: Children enjoy sports, which makes them more open to learning Christian values in this setting.
  • Practical Learning: Christian values are applied in real-time, not just discussed in theory.
  • Holistic Growth: It nurtures both physical skills with spiritual and moral character, preparing children for life beyond sport.
In essence, the Christian Values-First Approach gives Project Touchline a clear framework to teach Christian values through the excitement, fun, progression and challenges of sports, turning every game into a lesson in personal, social and spiritual development.