What is a church school?

As a Church of England school, we are tasked with delivering a Christian vision of education – not with delivering a Christian education.

A Christian Vision of Education

The Christian vision of education has, at its heart, Jesus’ promise of ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10). So, we seek to educate our children for fullness of life, to work to fulfil their God-given potential, whether they or their family identify with a faith or not and with special consideration given to those who are disadvantaged.

Each child is to be understood as respectfully and deeply as possible: to be believed in and to be cherished. As the Archbishop of Canterbury said, ‘A Christian school is one in which the entire atmosphere is pervaded by a conviction that there is… something potentially wonderful in everybody.’

Our task as a Church of England school is to deliver an education that seeks human flourishing, so we set academic rigour within a wider framework.

Our School’s Christian Vision

Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life and have it in all its fullness.” (John 10:10)

Our school vision at East Bergholt is underpinned by the theology of John 10:10. Throughout John 10, Jesus uses imagery of the Good Shepherd, who protects, provides green pastures, rescues and lays down his life for his sheep. This passage paints a beautiful picture of Jesus' incredible love and care for his flock, showing how He enables them to flourish, find enjoyment and experience His goodness. Jesus wants everyone to have an abundant life.

Our school vision is something we live by and use to guide us daily. We ensure that God's aspiration for us, as expressed in Jesus' words from John 10:10, is reflected in our goal for all our children and staff to experience a full and rich life. As unique individuals in the eyes of God, we seek to thrive together in love, life and learning.

Our vision means that:

• We seek to develop the whole child – their character, their learning and their ambitions
• We have high expectations for all of our children
• We foster a love of learning through exciting and enjoyable learning opportunities
• We aspire for everyone to achieve high levels of progress
• We live out our school vision every day using our distinctive Christian values as a guide

How do we bring our vision to life?

• Each classroom is an inclusive learning environment where all children can thrive
• We use teaching and learning strategies that engage and challenge all children
• We use the resources we have, efficiently and effectively, to make sure that our children thrive in their learning

What do we do to make sure our vision includes everyone?

• We maintain a sharp and clear focus on every child’s individual progress and development to ensure they achieve the very best they can
• Our curriculum provides experiential, creative, imaginative and challenging learning
• We target support and intervention carefully to ensure that all children are making the best progress they can
• We take part in worship that enriches the life of our school and builds us up in faith, hope and love

How are we with each other so that everyone can experience life in all its fullness

• We look to Jesus Christ as our pioneer and guide. We use our distinctive Christian values to live out our school vision and to make sure that every adult and child in our school community feels happy, safe and cared for
• We communicate effectively across the school community
• We work collaboratively together