What does it mean to be a Church of England School?
As a Church of England Church school in Birmingham we are shaped by the educational visions of the Church of England, Birmingham Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) and Birmingham Diocesan Multi Academy Trust (BDMAT).
The Church of England vision for education is rooted in the promise of Jesus for ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10.10). The vision embraces the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, moral and social development of children and young people. It offers a vision of human flourishing for all, one that embraces excellence and academic rigour, but sets them in a wider framework.
Our Vision & Ethos
In line with the Church of England vison for education we believe that young people and adults learn and live well together in a community which is founded on life, light and love. Flourishing together in love and learning is the way to achieving our God-given potential and thus experiencing life in all its fullness (John 10.10).
Our school motto is Let love and kindness be the motivation behind all that we do which succinctly states our belief that the best way to experience fullness of life is in community. The Christian emphasis on loving one another (John 15.12) is best understood, experienced, and practised in community.
Our shared goals and ethos is outlined in our three vision statements and drive all we do.
This vision is brought to life through our school values.
Our school values are:
Compassion– understanding the needs of others and taking action to help – Do everything in love (1Cor 16:14)
Love, compassion and kindness are central in our school, shown in our intentions, words and actions. As courageous advocates for one another and for a better world, we approach others and our world with compassion.
John 15:12 reminds us of the call of Jesus to love one another and the Gospels provide multiple examples of Jesus responding with compassion in the face of the needs of others (e.g. Matthew 9:36; Mark 1:40-42; Luke 7:13-15; John 11:33-36). Micah 6:8 reminds us that living compassionately involves seeking justice as well as loving mercy.
Collaboration - working together to achieve great things – Encourage one another and build each other up (1Thess 5:11)
1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us of the importance of encouraging one another and building each other up. During difficult times we are called to support and help each other through difficult times.
1 Corinthians 12.25-26 reminds us that as members of one body (the same community) that we shall have equal concern for each other: we suffer together, and we rejoice together. It is through commitment to togetherness and collaboration that we will achieve great things.
Strength - holding fast, being brave, working hard and bouncing back - 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)
Joshua 1:9 reminds us that when we have God’s presence and strength with us, we can face challenges and accomplish great things – as learners and in all aspects of our lives. True strength means standing up for what is right, helping others, and trusting God even when things are difficult. We celebrate this together, whilst we continue to aspire for greatness.
Aspiration – committing to big dreams and taking bold steps to achieve them - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
Philippians 4:13 reminds us of our belief that being rooted in Christian community and values provides a solid foundation for aspiration and achievement which is never simply individual or solely academic and always aimed at the benefit of others and the Common Good. Aspiring to be the best person God created us to be acknowledges our desire to flourish together in every sphere of life and to succeed as individuals and as a school community.
Our House System
Our houses in school reflect our Christian distinctiveness and are named after biblical trees: Cedar, Cypress, Sycamore, and Acacia. As well as reflecting our commitment to growth and flourishing, they also reflect our history in Yardley Wood, the ancient woodland to the southern end of Yardley Manor.
Our School Verse…
“Remember to stay alert and hold firmly to all that you believe. Be mighty and full of courage. Let love and kindness be the motivation behind all you do”.
1 Corinthians 16.13-14 The Passion Translation