St Barnabas is a Church of England Trust
Through God’s love and lessons, we care for each other and the planet through our Bring it vision of courage, creativity and friendship. We find joy in learning together and helping others to flourish. We share with those in need and give generously. We grow as a community living well together.
Educating for wisdom, knowledge and skills: enabling discipline, confidence and delight in seeking wisdom and knowledge and developing talents in all areas of life.
Educating for hope and aspiration: enabling healing, repair and renewal, coping wisely when things go wrong, opening horizons and guiding people into ways of fulfilling them.
Educating for dignity and respect: the basic principle of respect for the value and preciousness of each person treating each person as a unique individual of inherent worth.
Educating for community and living well together: a core focus on relationships, participation in communities and the qualities of character that enable people to flourish together.
ADVOCACY
As schools we work with a range of charities to support and advocate for others and the environment. In this way our pupils develop their sense of responsibility and take on their own projects with causes that are important to them. Through this work they promote our Bring It! vision to the wider world.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”- Mahatma Gandhi
SPIRITUALITY
As a Trust we define spirituality as something unseen; something we feel inside about our purpose and place in life. It is about awe and wonder of the world in which we live, asking questions, drawing inspiration from and being aware of something ‘bigger’ outside of ourselves.
Children’s spiritual development is fostered through all aspects of our provision. We consider relationships and values to be important, as well as the development of knowledge, concepts, skills and attitudes. We give children opportunities to:
- Express personal beliefs and compare views with others, sharing feelings and opinions through discussions and stories.
- Begin to develop their own system of beliefs which may or may not include religious beliefs.
- Experience a love of learning through rewarding their enthusiasm and by encouraging exploratory play, learning and adventure.
- Reflect upon the world around them and show a sense of awe and wonder towards aspects of the natural world or human achievement.
- Reflect on the situations of others through role play, stories.
- Experience a range of stories, music, art, drama and dance.
We believe spirituality is not the same as having a religion or faith; a person can be spiritual without having a particular faith.
When explaining spirituality to our pupils we talk about;
A sense of awe and wonder – Children are inquisitive. We nurture their curiosity, guiding them to look at the world, with awe and wonder. We encourage them to ask ‘big questions’ about life, religion, nature, and curriculum subjects that interest them.
Care for nature and living things – We provide many opportunities for children to learn about nature and the role they play in protecting our world. We regularly visit wild and natural spaces. Our curriculum ensures children learn about the world and how they can care for living things.
Wanting to love and be loved – Our Trust and schools are very caring places. We pride ourselves on our ethos of family. Through our Bring Friendship! Christian value, we teach children to care for friends, family and community. Indeed, our curriculum includes learning about those we love and who love us.
PRAYER
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We bless God and pray for our world, our communities and our lives to be shaped by God’s will;
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We pray for daily needs to be met,
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To affirm our Trust Christian vision and values
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For forgiveness for wrongdoings, strength to resist temptation and protection from danger.
Dear God
We promise to learn, explore and find out more
Amen
Dear God
We promise to bring creativity, courage and friendship to help make learning brilliant
Amen
Dear God
We promise to bring our talents, creativity, courage and friendship to make learning a memorable adventure to everyone
Amen
For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful
Amen
Lord, keep us safe this night
Secure from all our fears
May angels guard us while we sleep
Till morning light appears
Amen
Thank you for each happy day, for fun for friends and work and play
Thank you for your love and care
Here at school
And everywhere
Amen