What makes a good Christian school?
Our vision and narrative do not stand alone but are the foundations for all our work. In our distinctive ethos everyone shares the same aims. Our children know and recall stories, objects and songs which underpin the narrative of educating the saints of today for the world of tomorrow. In this way there is a deliberate attempt to link the gospel of Christ with the daily life of the school. It leads to
- an atmosphere of encouragement, acceptance and respect;
- a sensitivity to individual needs where children's self-esteem and confidence grow and where they feel able to make mistakes without fear of criticism;
- a partnership between adults and children;
- a sensitivity towards the beliefs, hopes and fears of parents;
- the provision of stepping stones to and from the community
- a curriculum that combines academic rigour with fun, sensitivity, reflection and prayerfulness.
- Being kind to each other between adults and children
Can my child attend a Church School if I don’t go to church? YES!
We have 15 places for Foundation places-those who attend church
We have 15 places for Open places-those of other faiths or no faith
A Church of England school is, like community schools, funded through the Local Authority, but the building is owned by the SBDE and the land by the Parish Priest at All Saints’ currently Canon Nicholas Cranfield. A majority of the governing body posts are 'Foundation' governors, with a specific role to support the Christian foundation and ethos of the school. Church schools undergo SIAMS (Church-run) inspections as well as government OFSTED inspections. Church schools set their own admission criteria .
In the everyday
running of the school, there is little difference between a Church school and a community school. However the ethos of a school can be strongly influenced by its Christian foundation. While recognising that the pupils and staff are of all faiths and none, the school as a whole holds an act of 'collective' worship every day. The love and kindness for each other which is at the heart of the Christian faith is exemplified in the attitudes and relationships found and encouraged at the school.
The Archbishop of Canterbury says,
“ A Christian school is one in which the atmosphere has that kind of openness about it, that sense that people are worth spending time with, that people need time to grow, need loving attention. The Christian Gospel says that every person has a unique task to do, with God, and for God, whether they know or not. It doesn't necessarily mean that everyone involved has to share the same theology or philosophy. It doesn't mean that everyone knows that they have this relationship with God, and is unconsciously working at it. But a Christian school is one which the entire atmosphere is pervaded by a conviction that there is something mysterious , and potentially wonderful, in everybody.”
