Distinctively Christian

As a school community, here at St Mary’s Church of England Junior School, our school culture is centred around Christian values.  We are continuously adapting and improving how we do this through our shared vision:

Raising aspirations and a love for learning through

courage, resilience, positive relationships and God’s love.

 Impact

The school community and stakeholders value the school and it’s drive for improvement through the school’s vision and embedded values.  Our commitment to this has raised attainment and attendance, as well as providing an engaging curriculum and a safe and happy environment for learning.  This has enabled our school community to thrive and, ultimately, to give back to our wonderful local, national and global community.

 Local church/parish involvement

The school works closely with the local St Mary’s Church and its clergy lead, Reverend Heather.  Reverend Heather is a Foundation Governor.  The school community take regular visits each half-term to the church as well as Reverend Heather attending the school to lead Collective Worship assemblies.  Our dear Reverend Heather continues to reach out to our school community through virtual Collective Worship assemblies.  The school hosts Messy Church every half-term holiday, led by Reverend Heather, and this again, now takes place virtually. 

 Open the Book attend weekly to lead assemblies (on hold at the moment due to Covid risk assessments).  The children report that the learn a lot about the bible and Christian Values through Open the Book, as well as finding it highly entertaining and engaging.

 How the school gives back

Through the school’s Christian Values based vision, giving back to the community is a vital role in both giving thanks and sharing what we have - or indeed through what we can do - for others in need.  The school therefore supports many charities such as Children in Need, Sports/Comic Relief, British Heart Foundation, etc.  However, to challenge this value further, all classes have chosen a charity to support.  These include Dream Factory, Hallswood Animal Sanctuary, Norfolk and Waveney Minds, Marie Curie Cancer Care, East Anglian Children’s Hospice, World Wildlife Fund, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Stop Hate UK, the NSPCC and the local church.  As a school, we are so very proud of our service!