‘Inspiring and Growing
for Fullness of Life’
At St. James’ CE Primary School, we want every child to be inspired and grow into the person they are created to be. Rooted in the Christian vision:
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10
We nurture children to flourish academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally within a caring and inclusive community.
Spiritual Growth at St James'
Our children are all individual and unique; they have all been and are going on a different journey but our mission is to ensure that we develop the whole child, so that they can live life to the fullest.
Spiritual growth, explained through our ’Spiritual Wheel’ is at the heart of ‘Inspiring and Growing for Fullness of Life’.
By living out our Christian values and developing our: worship, curriculum, school environment, how we interact with ourselves, others and a divine being through stillness, creativity, curiosity and big questions we will enable our pupils to leave their St James’ family with a greater sense of empathy, sense of identity and purpose, show wisdom and be able to take a challenge.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10
Our Church School
At St. James’ CE Primary School, our Christian vision and values are at the heart of everything we do. As a Church of England school, we work closely with our local church, St. Philip and St. James’ Church, to nurture a caring, inclusive community where every child is valued and encouraged to flourish.
We warmly welcome children and families of all faiths and those with no faith background. Our aim is to provide a safe and respectful environment where children can explore questions of faith, belief, values and what it means to be human.
We believe every child should experience:
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an excellent education rooted in Christian values
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opportunities for reflection and spiritual growth
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respect for different faiths, beliefs and viewpoints
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a strong sense of belonging within our school community
Collective Worship
Collective worship is an important and special part of daily life at our school. It is a time when we come together as a community to reflect, sing, listen and think about the values that guide us.
During worship, children may:
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listen to stories from the Bible and other faith traditions
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explore themes linked to our 12 Christian values
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sing hymns and songs
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spend time in quiet reflection and stillness
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share prayers and thoughts together
Our worship is invitational and inclusive, allowing all children to take part in a way that feels meaningful and comfortable to them.
Prayer
Our school prayer is a valued part of the school day. Many children enjoy saying the prayer together as a community. Some children choose to adapt the words or reflect quietly in their own way, ensuring that prayer remains personal and meaningful for everyone.
Our Link with the Church
We are proud of our close relationship with St. Philip and St. James’ Church, often known as “Pip and Jim’s”.
Throughout the year, children visit the church for:
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Harvest celebrations
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Christmas and Easter services
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community worship events
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RE learning visits
Members of the church community regularly visit school to lead worship and support our children’s spiritual development. Our “God’s Big Story” team shares Bible stories and explores our school values with the children.
Many of our families also enjoy attending family services at the church.
Religious Education (RE)
Religious Education is a valued part of our curriculum and is taught from Reception through to Year 6 using the Gloucestershire Agreed Syllabus.
Children learn about Christianity as well as a range of world faiths and beliefs. Through RE, pupils develop understanding, respect and curiosity about the beliefs and traditions of others.
Spiritual Reflection
We believe children benefit from opportunities to pause, reflect and think deeply about themselves and the world around them.
Our school includes a special reflection area within the library which is open every Wednesday. Children can enjoy moments of calm and quiet thought during the busy school day.
Spiritual development helps children to grow in confidence, self-awareness, empathy and understanding. It encourages them to reflect on questions of meaning, purpose and identity in age-appropriate ways.
Celebrating Together
Celebration is an important part of school life at St. James’. Every Friday, we gather for our “Inspire and Grow” celebration worship where we recognise achievements, effort and acts of kindness.
At the end of each term, children are chosen to receive our special Values Award in recognition of how they have demonstrated our school values in everyday life.
Our Year 2 and Year 6 pupils play an important role in leading celebration worships, helping to build confidence, responsibility and pride within our school community.
At St. James’ CE Primary School, we are proud to be a welcoming Christian school where worship, reflection, learning and community help every child to be Inspired and Grown for Fullness of Life.