Ethos

Recognising its historic foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the Church at parish and diocesan level.

The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its pupils.

Christian Vision and Values

Aims

At Old Catton Church of England Junior School we believe that children learn best in a happy, and challenging and safe environment, so we encourage participation in a wide range of physical and creative learning opportunities within a broad balanced curriculum.

We recognise the differing needs of our children and aim to support and nurture them all in a Christian environment, to equip them with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to meet their future challenges.

We believe that learning is a lifelong and developing process for both adults and children. Learning should be rewarding, achievable and an enjoyable experience.

We actively promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for all.

We believe that education should be a strong partnership between home, school and the community.

Values

Our values at Old Catton Church of England Junior School include:

• encouraging learning for its own sake
• working in a cooperative & collaborative way to the agreed set of policies
• encouraging children’s sensitivity and awareness, whereby they gain self respect and a respect and tolerance for others, regardless of race, gender or creed
• improving the quality of our children’s experiences and attainment
• maintaining a safe and secure learning environment
• maintaining a positive mental attitude
• encouraging lifelong learning for all
• being a Healthy School
• to work collaboratively with parents, relatives, governors, church and the community to show that the value of education is shared
• The values we wish to influence and promote in children’s learning include:
• enthusiasm for learning
• persistence in learning
• enquiry and curiosity in learning
• striving for excellence
• self motivation and evaluation
• The personal values we wish to promote include:
• openness and optimism in approach
• sharing and learning together
• self-respect and respect for others (together with their opinions and ideas);
• integrity; honesty and trust (truthfulness)
• acceptance; courtesy and compassion

Our Values as a Healthy School are that:

• A healthy school understands the relationship between health and education and recognises the importance of investing in health to help raise levels of pupil achievement and ensure school effectiveness.

As a Healthy School we are committing ourselves to the following:

• A whole school approach
• Pupil involvement
• A positive ethos and school culture
• The school as a learning community
• The involvement of parents carers and the wider community
• Staff well-being.

British Values

British Values