BRING IT! at St Barnabas Trust
Our Biblical Root: The Parable of the Talents
Our school vision is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus, specifically the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30).
“Talents” referred to large amounts of weight or money. However, in our school community, we understand this parable as a lesson on the unique abilities God has bestowed upon us. God has made each of us good at some things and not so good at others. He has made some people brilliant at specific skills—just as the famous artist Picasso drew pictures when he was very young, or the famous composer Mozart wrote beautiful music at an early age.
But the lesson of the parable is that we are all good at doing something. God does not want us to bury our talents.
For some, their talent might be academic or artistic. For others, it is something that seems quite ordinary but is just as precious in God’s eyes: writing a letter, being punctual, being kind, being a loyal friend, helping others, or praying for them. It is just as important to use these character-based gifts well as it is to excel in the classroom.
Our Vision: “Bring It!”
Inspired by this parable, our vision is simple yet powerful: Bring It!
This vision invites every child to bring Courage, Creativity, and Friendship to school every day. We challenge ourselves to ensure that our pupils are not just attending school, but are excited by and fully engaged in their learning and the wider school experience.
Our Promise
We support every child to use their talents—great or small—wisely. We want our children to embrace the opportunities they have been given, utilising their unique gifts to create positive school memories with their friends that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
Putting Values into Action
To “Bring It!” means to step out in faith and confidence.
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Bring Courage: To try new things and not be afraid of making mistakes.
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Bring Creativity: To use our imagination and unique talents to solve problems.
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Bring Friendship: To use our gifts of kindness and loyalty to support one another.
BRING COURAGE
We believe life is an adventure that is enhanced when we take risks and try new things. We learn about ourselves and develop our self confidence as well as applying the knowledge we learn indoors to the natural environment. Challenging ourselves in an unfamiliar outdoor setting helps us build our resilience.
Children start their adventure in our outdoor nurseries where they explore the outdoor environment learning about nature and the seasons. They problem solve, interact physically with the outdoor environment; climbing, crawling, swinging and completing challenges. Whilst all the time making friends and learning to work together.
Every child in the Trust undertakes an outdoor adventure challenge each term. By completing these challenges our pupils develop essential life skills enabling them to be successful in whatever direction they chose to take in the future.
We believe taking the small steps towards independence is part of growing up. Our residential programme allows children from Year 2 – 6 to visit and explore new places that contrast with where they live. They learn how to look after themselves and manage their possessions.
BRING CREATIVITY
We encourage our children to be curious and respond creatively to the knowledge they learn using the skills we teach them. In this way they; make sense of the world in which they live, are able to identify opportunities and contribute to our community and society more widely.
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” – Albert Einstein
BRING FRIENDSHIP
We believe education is a collaborative process which builds community. Our pupils forge long lasting friendships born of common endeavour and shared experiences. We teach the personal and social skills required for them to respect each other and effectively take on the differing roles within a team.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)
Our pupils learn how to look out for and care for one another. Our behaviour policy rewards positive interactions between pupils and attitudes towards work. We have three simple rules for everyone to follow;
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Show good manners at all times
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Follow instructions with thought and care
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Care for everyone and everything
Our children are taught how to keep themselves and their friends safe in the real and virtual world.