Vision and Values
Our School Vision
We are a Christian school that embraces all faiths; respects our similarities and differences and actively participates in the wider community. Through our work with God and each other we build bright futures, enabling all children and adults to reach their full potential in mind, body and spirit.
Working together, we build bright futures.
#brightfutures
Respect underpins everything we do at St James. This core value is reflected in all our policies and drives our relationships throughout the school.
“In everything, treat others the same way you want them to treat you”
Matthew 7:12
Our School Values
Alongside the British values, the school has adopted 11 values under the over-arching value of RESPECT. Each term, one of these values is explored in depth through Gatherings and class assemblies. Each value is linked to a bible story and a bible verse.
The values underpin the school's Respect (Behaviour) policy and all areas of school life.
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
1 | RESPECT “In everything, treat others the same way you want them to treat you” Matthew 7:12 | |
2 | Thankfulness “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!" Psalm 95:2 | Service “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” 1 Peter 4:10 |
3 | Responsibility “You should each judge your own conduct. If it is good, then you can be proud of what you yourself have done, without having to compare it with what someone else has done.” Galatians 6:4 | Aspiration “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11 |
4 | Forgiveness “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done.” Matthew 6:15 | Love “Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly” Colossians 3:14 |
5 | Peace “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” Matthew 5:9 | Trust/Faith “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 |
6 | Koinonia “A strand of three chords is not easily broken” Ecclesiastes 4:12 | Courage “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 |
Values Passport
Our Values Passports complement our termly values focus and encourage our children to share the values at home. If they complete the passport with examples of how they have demonstrated the values at home, they receive a specially designed values badge in school.
Spirituality
Spirituality is explored at St James in every area of school life. Using the metaphor of 'Mirrors, Windows and Doors', children understand how to develop spirituality, understanding the importance of faith and its contribution to their own lives and those of others. At St James, we define spirituality as "Being still and listening. Being heard and learning." Through this, we listen, reflect, celebrate and speak out on what matters. Opportunities are identified within the curriculum to deepen this understanding and whole school Gatherings are a platform to share experiences. Spaces around school and within classrooms ensure there are places to be still and time is given to actively develop our practice and understanding of spirituality.
Enrichment for Flourishing
At St James, we understand the importance of providing a curriculum that enriches children’s lives and allows them to flourish. By providing opportunities during the school day to explore the world around them and to experience different things, we can open our children’s minds to the possibilities ahead of them. Our school vision of developing mind, body and spirit underpins our enrichment offer.
Follow the link below to find out more about our enrichment offer.
Our School Prayer
Our school prayer was written by our children and is shared regularly through the week in our Gatherings.
Hello God,
Thank you for our school.
Thank you for all the people who give us our education and help us to learn.
Please help us in our work and play and keep us safe from danger.
Bless our school with laughter, learning and happiness.
Help us to learn how to live good lives.
May the light that shines through our windows remind us of you and all that you are.
We thank you, God.
Amen.
Our School Prayer - signed
