St Mary's Bluecoat C of E Christian Vision 

'I have come that you may have life in all its fullness.' John 10:10

At St. Mary's Bluecoat CE Primary School, we recognise that we are part of the Shropshire Church of England Academy Trust (SCEAT).  We join together as an academy aligned by our overarching Christian Vision; Life in all its fullness.

Recognising their historic foundation, the schools will preserve and develop their 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's aim is to serve their community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. They encourage an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and promote Christian values through the experience they offer to all their pupils.

St Mary’s Bluecoat CE Primary School Christian Vision and Values

Jesus said “I have come in order that you may have life in all its fullness.”

St Mary’s Bluecoat is at the heart of the Grove community where the trusting relationships between our pupils, teachers, families and the church allow all children to become enthusiastic, independent, successful learners. Our core Christian values of respect, perseverance and compassion create an unbreakable thread that weaves through the school community joining us solidly as one. The spirit of unity, working collaboratively and learning together ensures that everyone benefits and flourishes as the children and adults aspire to achieve their best.

St Mary’s Bluecoat is stronger because we belong to a geographical hub. Our horizons are wider, our aims are higher and our potential is greater.

Our St Mary’s school vision in three bible stories

Parable of the Sower. Mark 4 1-9                                                                                              

Jesus tells us in this story of the seeds that were sown on the infertile ground. With nothing to sustain them the seeds withered and died. However the seeds that were sown in the fertile ground, full of food and goodness, grew to be strong, sturdy and robust. Jesus tells us we have to nurture our young and it is our communal responsibility to provide them with whatever they need to flourish. At St Mary’s every child is cherished in an environment where they are given the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The story of the Loaves and Fishes. Luke 9 10-17

The bible tells of the time that Jesus fed a whole crowd of people with just two fishes and five loaves. Jesus is showing us there is enough for everyone if we trust God. What we gather in, grows and nourishes our community. At St Mary’s everyone will thrive if each person plays their part.

Parable of the Lost Sheep. Matthew 18 12-14                                                                                  

Jesus tells the story of the shepherd who cared for one hundred sheep. But when one sheep was lost, the shepherd left the ninety-nine sheep to search for the lost sheep. He did not rest until it was found. Jesus taught us that everyone is special-even if they lose their way they will always be cared for and welcomed back into the fold. Each member of the St Mary’s community is equal, important and valued.

Mission Statement

At our school we strive to:

• Provide a stimulating, safe and secure environment, which fosters a sense of pride and ownership in the school.
• Promote spiritual awareness and respect for all other religions, races and cultures.
• Enable each child to achieve his/her full potential, whether their gifts be sporting, creative, academic, or otherwise, through a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum delivered through a variety of teaching approaches.
• Encourage each child to develop a sense of self-esteem, self- discipline, personal responsibility and respect for others.
• Have high expectations of behaviour.
• Maintain strong links with the community, local, national and international.
• Promote a learning partnership between children, parents, teachers and governors where we value, develop and support all; recognising individual strengths, talents and interests.

British Values:

At St. Mary’s Bluecoat CE Primary School…

Pupils are expected to learn:

• an understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process

• an understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law

• an acceptance that people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour

• an understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination

Duty to promote Fundamental British Values:

All teaching staff across The Shropshire Church of England Trust have attended the Home Office Prevent Training (RAP). The CEO Shropshire Church of England Academies Trust has also attended the Prevent training for designated child protection leads (a statutory requirement).

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014.

Across our Shropshire Church of England Trust these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Democracy is embedded at our schools.  Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard.  Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Councils, ECO groups, SNAG and annual questionnaires.  The elections of members of such groups are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced across the Shropshire Church of England Trust. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our School Rules, Playground Rules and Safety Rules. Each class also discusses and sets its own rules that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment.   Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

All pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a Shropshire Church of England Trust of schools we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Respect is one of the core values in all of our schools. As Church of England Primary Schools, Christian values are deeply embedded in all that we do at the school.  The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small.  The core value of Respect underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Our core value of Respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. We enhance pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies, assemblies and P.S.H.E. lessons.

We actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

The Shropshire Church of England Trust has a clear policy on Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation

As well as the direct links above, please click the link below to see how we celebrate difference and diversity in our school through our "St Mary's Bluecoat 50 experiences"...