Our vision

Our vision is:

At the heart of our school vision is a desire for an authentic and life-giving relationship with ourselves, one another, our world, and with God.  We believe that it is through Christ who gives us the strength, all can achieve within a learning environment where every child is valued as a unique individual created in the image of God, and where teaching and learning is of a consistently high standard.

We aim to provide the foundation on which children can grow, enabling them to move on to the next stage of their lives, confident that, in the words of St. Paul:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13

The following values are our guiding principles:

• Friendship
• Respect
• Wisdom
• Forgiveness
• Love
• Courage

We will do everything we can to help every child understand the importance of these values through the way we behave towards them and each other. Each child’s educational, emotional and spiritual welfare is vitally important and we commit to doing our very best for every child.

Our Aims

Curriculum and Learning

• To develop creative, confident, lifelong learners
• To provide a broad based curriculum, where all children are set challenging, yet achievable, goals based on their differing needs and potential
•  To provide the best possible education for every child in a supportive environment where everyone learns and worships together

Pastoral Care

• To celebrate and nurture the whole child through a strong partnership between the school, families and the church

SMSC (Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural)

• To develop well rounded, thoughtful children who share and live by positive values

Links/Home/School and Community

• To develop a community of strong positive relationships where every voice is heard

St John’s Highbury Vale – Spiritual Development

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

This verse shapes our belief that every child is precious, capable and deeply loved by God. Spiritual development is woven through every aspect of school life and supports each child to flourish in character, confidence and hope.

What We Mean by Spirituality

At St John’s, spirituality is about helping children explore:

1. Personal Growth

Developing a sense of identity, emotional understanding and inner confidence.

Children are supported to recognise their feelings, strengths and values. This includes opportunities for quiet reflection, journalling, prayer, and the use of Zones of Regulation.

2. Relationships and Community

Learning to live with kindness, empathy, compassion and forgiveness.
Through PSHE, restorative approaches, teamwork and Collective Worship, pupils learn what it means to treat others with respect and dignity.

3. Appreciating the World

Noticing awe, beauty, creativity and wonder in daily life.
Children encounter this through art, music, storytelling, science, outdoor learning, and our Naturehood programme, developing a sense of gratitude and responsibility for the natural world.

4. Exploring Meaning and Big Questions

Thinking about life’s mysteries, beliefs and deeper ideas.
Children are invited—never pressured—to reflect on questions about purpose, hope, faith, and the world around them. This happens through RE, stillness, imagination, discussion, and reflective spaces

How Spirituality is Experienced at St John’s

Spiritual opportunities are woven throughout the whole curriculum and wider school life:

• Collective Worship – invitational, inclusive, reflective
• RE – big questions, understanding different beliefs and worldviews
• PSHE & Relationships Education – identity, empathy, responsibility
• Creative Arts – music, drama, art and expressive response
• Naturehood & Outdoor Learning – wonder, stewardship and curiosity
• Zones of Regulation – emotional literacy, resilience and wellbeing
• Community Action – leadership, charity, teamwork and advocacy

Inclusion

Spirituality belongs to every child, regardless of background or belief.
Our approach is:

• Invitational – space to explore, never imposed
• Inclusive – accessible to all, including children with SEND
• Inspiring – encouraging awe, wonder, curiosity and imagination

Working With Families

Children often bring profound and searching questions to those at home—about God, life, the world, and themselves. We work alongside families to nurture these moments, supporting children as they grow in wisdom, dignity, hope and love.