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St Margaret's C of E Junior School

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Vision & Values

Our vision:

'Learning with heart, leading with wisdom, flourishing in hope'.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ John 3:16

As a Church of England junior school, our vision shapes every aspect of school life. We are committed to nurturing each child so they grow in confidence, character and faith, enabling them to flourish both now and in the future. We want our children to become thoughtful, compassionate individuals who are ready to make a positive difference in the world.

Our values sit at the heart of our school community and even form the names of our classes. These values guide how we learn, how we treat one another and how we live together each day.

Alongside our values, we develop essential learning powers throughout the year. Children are encouraged to become relational, resourceful, reflective, responsible, resilient and respectful. These qualities support them not only in their learning, but in developing the skills and attitudes needed for life beyond the classroom.

Our vision is rooted in Christian teaching and is inspired by four key biblical narratives. Through the story of the Good Samaritan, children learn about compassion and loving others. The story of Solomon teaches the importance of wisdom and making thoughtful choices. The parable of the Mustard Seed reminds us that even the smallest beginnings can grow into something strong and life‑giving, encouraging hope. Finally, Jeremiah’s promise reassures children that they are valued and have a future filled with purpose. Together, these teachings shape our understanding of what it means to live well and flourish.

We place a strong emphasis on spiritual development. In our school, spirituality is nurtured by encouraging children to notice the world with wonder, reflect on who they are becoming and consider how they can make a difference. We provide simple, inclusive opportunities for spiritual reflection such as moments of stillness, gratitude, journaling, wonder walks and acts of kindness. These experiences help children develop emotional awareness, inner calm and empathy for others.

Our environment supports this journey. Each year group has a reflection space, and our outdoor reflection garden offers a calm place to pause and think. Children increasingly talk about how these moments help them feel calm, think deeply and consider others.

Our vision is carefully woven throughout our curriculum. In English, pupils explore empathy, character and moral choices; in Science, they experience awe and curiosity about the natural world; and in Art and Music, they express their thoughts and feelings creatively. Through History and Geography, they learn about identity, justice and the wider world, while PSHE and RE provide opportunities to explore relationships, beliefs and meaning. Across all subjects, children are encouraged to reflect, ask questions and apply their values to real-life situations.

Our Values - a Church School

We have a strong Christian ethos and maintain a close connection with the Diocese and St Margaret's Church.  . The School's Christian foundation is therefore central to our work and is reflected in all that we do.

Our school values were chosen by stakeholders and continue to be central to everything that we do:

Thankfulness

Trust

Hope

Friendship

Peace

Forgiveness

Compassion

Wisdom

 We believe that the teaching of these Christian values contributes to the character development of our pupils and also to the quality of their community life. This also supports the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of our children. Christian values are inherently rooted in the person and teaching of Jesus Christ and his invitation to experience life in all its fullness. In our collective worship we begin with the teaching and example of Christ as a starting and end point.

The core Christian value of love underpins all that we do as we strive to Learn with heart, lead with wisdom and flourish in hope. 

Collective Worship

Collective worship is central to our school life and reflects our inclusive Christian foundation. Worship is designed to be welcoming and respectful of all, with no expectation of belief or participation beyond what each child feels comfortable with. Children explore stories and ideas, reflect on their own thoughts and experiences, and consider how they might respond through action. Pupils play an active role in planning, leading and evaluating worship, helping them to develop confidence and a sense of belonging.

As a result of this shared vision, children at our school grow into compassionate and thoughtful individuals. They show kindness in their relationships, make wise choices and reflect on their actions. They develop resilience and hope in their learning, understand their own value and purpose, and experience curiosity and wonder in the world around them. Above all, they are equipped to act with courage, kindness and integrity within their community and beyond.

Collective worship gives pupils and school staff the opportunity to:

  • Engage in an act of community.
  • Express praise and thanksgiving to God.
  • Be still and reflect.
  • Explore the big questions of life and respond to national events.
  • Foster respect and deepen spiritual awareness.
  • Reflect on the character of God and on the teachings of Christ.
  • Affirm Christian values and attitudes.
  • Share each other's joys and challenges.
  • Celebrate special times in the Christian calendar.

Seasons of the Church Year

The school follows the Church of England calendar of events including; Harvest, Christmas, Epiphany, Mothering Sunday, Lent, Easter, Ascension Day, Pentecost, and the Patron Saint feast day of our school namesake St George.

These are explored through RE and Worship with the school and the wider community coming together in celebration at different points throughout the year.

At Easter as we celebrate Eucharist; members of the wider school community are invited to come together to share a Communion Service in our school hall.

Ascension Day is celebrated in the school with a creative and visual telling of the ascension of Christ, and our school Harvest and Christingle services are held at St Margaret’s Church with the wider school community.

Harbour Schools Partnership

The Harbour Schools Partnership (formerly Tarka Learning Partnership and Ventrus Multi Academy Trust) was established in April 2025. It is our mission to deliver excellence through collaboration to realise the right of every child to flourish.

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