Our vision, ethos and aims are at the core of everything we do. They underpin our teaching and learning, and provide an environment which prepares our pupils as confident, happy citizens.
Like the Wise Man who built his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24-28; Luke 6:46-49), St James Church of England Primary and Nursery School is built with strong foundations and we encourage pupils to be resilient, like the Wise Man, by tackling all challenges with grit and determination to succeed. The preface to this story is that everyone who hears these words will be wise.
The school vision is IGNITE, EXPLORE, BELIEVE.
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IGNITE Kindling a love of learning |
“Remember to fan into flame the gift that is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6) |
Valuing all children as unique, getting to know them as individuals, starting with Home Visits. Igniting a spark of interest from the child themselves. Tailoring our learning around the children’s needs and interests. Sparking children’s interests ensures that children feel motivated to learn, no matter what their background and previous knowledge. |
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EXPLORE Discovering the wonder of the world around |
“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, They would outnumber the grains of sand – When I am awake, I am still with you.” (Psalm 139:17-18) |
Valuing explorative learning opportunities. Links to our Learning behaviour characters. Links to our local area – exploring Dartmoor and lots of outdoor learning experiences. Links to our history in Okehampton – the St James from Victorian times. Links to our symbol – the shell and St James on a pilgrimage. We want children to see learning as an adventure that they will undertake for life. |
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BELIEVE Inspiring high standards, self-confidence and faith in something greater than ourselves |
Everything is possible for him who believes. Mark 9:23 |
We believe that everyone can achieve their full potential and have high expectations for all pupils. Developing children’s self-belief and self-confidence as well as mental and physical health. Believing in our community and local support. Our belief in God to guide us to be the best that we can be. |
| Spirit |
In the Jordan River (Luke 3) Wind and fire (Acts 2) A voice in the night (1 Samuel 3) |
Body/mind/spirit where children are lamps to be lit, not jugs to be filled. Thriving to become the best that you were meant to be. |
| Togetherness |
Helpers and friends (Luke 5 and 6) Best friends (1 Samuel 18-20) |
Community links with the seven churches within Okehampton; Ethos of being part of a team, of belonging. |
| Joyful Celebrations |
A wedding party (John 2) The lost coin (Luke 15) Solomon (1 Kings 1-8) |
Celebrating events in the Christian and other faith calendars, as well as achievements; |
| All Welcome |
The children (Matthew 19. Mark 10, Luke 18) Naaman (2 Kings 5) |
Inclusivity, everyone is equally important. Welcoming to all.
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| Mental Wellbeing |
The lost son (Luke 15) A surprise visit (Genesis 42-46) |
Hope, mindfulness and forgiveness encompassing prayer. |
| Empathy |
The woman who could not stand up (Luke 13) A small man (Luke 19) Ruth (Ruth 1-4) |
Kindness, caring and compassion towards all living creatures |
| Strength |
One touch (Mark 5 and Luke 8) The blind beggar (Mark 10) Spending the night with lions (Daniel 6) |
Linked to St James – “faith isn’t worth anything, if it isn’t put into action.” |
A Christian ethos is at the heart of our school community but we embrace and learn from other religions, cultures and beliefs.
We aim for our children:
The school pursues the highest standards of achievement and personal development within a climate that values the unique talents of everyone associated with the school. We promote a caring approach to teaching, encouraging good behaviour and developing a sense of right and wrong. Above all, we seek to recognise the special gifts of each individual.