Vision and Values

St John's CE primary School

School motto

Expect the best

Aims

Through our love of God and of each other, our children will thrive personally and academically in a happy, safe place of faith and high expectation for all.

Our vision explained

St John, along with his brother James, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee before following Jesus’ calling. He was at the foot of the cross when Jesus died and played an important role in founding the early Church. Because he had experienced the unconditional love of Christ first-hand he went on to preach that love.

St John is said to have outlived the other apostles and to have authored several books in the New Testament. In art he is often depicted with a book or an eagle. The feast day of St John is December 27

Inspired by scripture

John 13:34-35 ‘I give you a new commandment: love one another; just as I have loved you, you must also love one another’

1 Corinthians 12:12 ‘Just as a human body, though it is made up of many parts, is a single unit because all these parts, though many, make one body, so it is with Christ.

Galatians 6 v 9 Let’s not get tired of doing what is good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest—if we do not give up.

Our school values and ethos

We strive to create a school family in which our children are educated and inspired through a love and understanding of God, each other and our world. We will achieve this…

• by developing the school as a nurturing and caring environment; we are a welcoming, happy and safe place for everyone to learn and grow;
• by encouraging all children and adults in our school community, regardless of status, financial circumstance, religious or philosophical background, race, gender, orientation or disability, to gain the skills and experience to maximise their full potential in our ever-changing and diverse world;
• we encourage enquiring, healthy minds, good working habits, healthy lifestyles and pride in our work and behaviour – for all, for life;
• we encourage a positive view of and involvement by the whole school community (pupils, parents and carers, teachers, support staff and governors), the wider local community and even wider world in each other’s education and development;
• we provide a curriculum which is broad, balanced, fun and effective - which challenges each and every child so that their full potential is reached in life, not just in terms of academic attainment and progress.

How we live out our vision

All our policies and practice is based around this vision and our values. Our behaviour and SMSC policies in particular highlight the value we place on the personal and spiritual development of every member of our community. Curriculum policies also make clear the faith we have in the potential of every learner and the extent to which we strive to support them in fulfilling that potential.

Every time we look at St John’s symbol, the eagle, in collective worship we are inspired to soar to reach the highest possible achievements.

Recognising its historic foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the churches at parish and Diocesan level.