Barnham CEVC Primary: A Church of England School

What does it mean to be a Church of England 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 fulfill 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 Vision

Our vision for all in our school is to Inspire, Cherish and Believe in each person that they might flourish and fulfil their potential.

Inspire     Cherish     Believe

We live this out in school like this verse from the Gospel of John 15:5:

Jesus said ‘I am the vine; you are the branches.

If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.’

We believe passionately that our children need to be informed about all Christian values in order to be well-rounded children that make a difference in the world that we live. We want them to be like strong trees that is referred to in the bible in the book of Jeremiah Chapter 17: 7-8:

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”

We feel that this image encapsulates all of this:

The vines join together to provide shade and shelter to those who need it. We are all connected and share a belongingness to each other.

Jesus is the trunk, the heart of our school, with the deepest roots imaginable. Even in a drought, the leaves of the vine are green and the branches grow vigorously, adventurously and eager for life – just like we do!

Together we produce the most amazing fruits, whether it’s the work in our classrooms or our time in the fields or in our own person. We bear our fruits and then share them as Change Agents making a difference in this world.

Our Aims

We seek to…

Inspire everyone with a lifelong love of learning and a yearning to fulfill their potential, by

• High quality teaching
• Striving for excellence
• Providing exciting and irresistible learning
• Celebrating our children’s achievements
• Enriching our curriculum through rich experiences, adventure and discovery!

Cherish everyone as one who is precious to God, a part of His loving family here in school

• Recognising that we are all loved equally by God
• Being a school family where all are valued and respected
• Supporting each child as a whole person
• Exemplary pastoral care of children and their families
• Enhancing community life

Believe in everyone, encouraging them in their own strengths and talents, by

• Living out the Christian ethos of our school
• Recognising that everyone is unique and has their own strengths and talents
• Growing highly motivated learners
• Providing the best education because, quite simply, that’s what every child deserves!

The bible verses above with the image of the tree planted by the streams or a vine growing truly  represents our school family:

• We are deeply rooted in our Christian tradition, through which we are connected to God and to each other. 
• We are nourished and sustained and given sure foundations to build upon.
• We meet the challenge of the rain with resilience.
• We provide shelter for each other, cherishing and caring for each other.
• We belong together and flourish together.
• We grow in this beautiful rural setting in different ways, but always with exuberance!
• We reach for the sun and bear fruit that blesses us and those around us.

Our Christian Ethos

Our ethos is strongly influenced by our Christian vision and values and we place these at the heart of everything that we do. As a church school, we have a daily act of Collective Worship and this is the heartbeat of our school. It provides opportunities for the entire school family to reflect on God and how He wants us to live today, so that we might be a blessing upon those who share our lives, our communities, our nation and the wider world.  We engage fully with the seasons of the church year, going regularly to St Gregory’s church in Barnham.

Our Christian Values 

There are many Christian values, each with its own layers of meaning.We believe that a school’s vision has to be fit for the purpose of the community it serves and therefore it is important that it is regularly reviewed and updated accordingly. So, every year, we hold a 'Vision and Values Week' at Barnham.

This is usually towards the end of the academic year, in June or July. We believe it is important to take time to reflect on the school vision, ensure that it is still understood by all and current for where we are at as a school and look for ways to improve and further develop. As part of this week, all stakeholders: children, staff, governors and families have a chance to share their views with us. They do this in a number of ways and we try to vary the activities each year to keep the children inspired. 

Here are some examples of activities:

We asked children to consider what was at the heart of our school-

We asked them what would go in a recipe to make our school even better-

In the image below, our Year 3 class reflected on fruits that they thought we were good at bearing and ones that perhaps we could work on some more-

As part of this special week in the school calendar we gather views to determine which six values we will explore as part of our Collective Worship programme for the next academic year. 

Each value has a bible verse to go with it that helps us all to understand the context of the Christian value. 

We see these Christian values as fruits that we want our whole school community to grow, bear and share. 

During the year 2023-2024 the six values that were explored were:

Generosity

Responsibility

Truth 

Wisdom  

Humility 

Perseverance & Resilience 

The values that we are exploring during 2024-2025 are:

Friendship - 

Friendship is an undisputed value in our society, with children often spending more time with their friends than with family.  

Jesus tells stories of the heavenly banquet to which all are invited.  The barriers between people are broken down in a loving community around God and Jesus had stern words to say to those who refused to recognise that all are included in this community of friendship.

Trust, feeling comfortable in each other’s company, being able to share joys and sorrows are all features of friendship and these are things of immense value.  True friendship enables each person to grow and ensures that the unique individuality of each person is recognised.  All this echoes the value placed by God on the preciousness of each person.

Ecclesiastes 4 v 9-10 - Two people are better off than one; for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other one can reach out and help, but someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

Peace - 

Peace is a deeply cherished value in our society, often seen as essential for harmony in families, communities, and the wider world.

In the Bible, Jesus speaks of the peace that comes from God—a peace that surpasses all understanding. He calls his followers to be peacemakers, saying, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." This peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, reconciliation, and wholeness. It breaks down barriers between people, creating a community rooted in love and mutual respect.

Peace involves trust, empathy, and a willingness to listen and understand others, even in moments of disagreement. It allows individuals and groups to flourish together, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and secure. True peace reflects God’s desire for the world—a vision of unity, compassion, and the recognition of the inherent worth of every person

John 14 v 27- I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart. And the gift I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Trust - 

Trust is a foundational value in our relationships and society, essential for building connections and fostering mutual respect.

Throughout the Bible, trust is a recurring theme, whether it is trust in God’s faithfulness or trust in one another. Proverbs reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Jesus himself demonstrated the importance of trust in his relationships, relying on his disciples and inviting them to place their trust in him as the way to truth and life.

Trust is built on honesty, reliability, and integrity. It creates a safe space where people can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or betrayal. Trust also involves taking risks, believing in the good intentions of others, and working together toward common goals.

When trust is present, relationships are strengthened, and communities thrive. It echoes God’s faithfulness to us, reminding us of the importance of being dependable and worthy of the trust placed in us by others. Trust nurtures a sense of security, enabling everyone to grow and flourish together.

Proverbs 3 v 5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Justice - 

Justice is a vital value in our world, underpinning fairness, equality, and the protection of the vulnerable.

The Bible speaks powerfully about justice, presenting it as central to God’s character and mission. The prophet Micah calls us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God,” while Jesus proclaimed good news to the poor and freedom for the oppressed. Justice in God’s kingdom is not only about fairness but also about restoring what is broken and ensuring that everyone can live with dignity.

Justice requires courage, compassion, and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult. It challenges us to confront inequality and work for a world where every person is treated with respect and care. Justice is not just a legal concept but a moral imperative that calls us to see the value in every individual and ensure that their needs are met.

When we live out justice, we reflect God’s heart for humanity, creating communities where love and fairness prevail. It is a reminder that we are all responsible for lifting one another up and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Micah 6 v 8 - And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Creativity - 

Creativity is so important in our world, allowing us to explore, express, and innovate in ways that enrich our lives and communities.

The Bible begins with an account of God’s creativity, shaping the heavens and the earth and declaring it good. Made in God’s image, we are also gifted with the ability to create, imagine, and bring new things to life. Jesus often used creativity in his teachings, crafting parables and imagery to help people understand deep truths about God’s kingdom.

Creativity involves curiosity, inspiration, and the courage to think beyond the ordinary. It allows us to solve problems, express our individuality, and contribute uniquely to the world around us. It is seen in art, music, writing, and innovation, but also in the way we approach challenges and find new ways to show love and care.

When we embrace creativity, we honour the gifts God has given us and reflect the boundless possibilities of God’s creation. Creativity enriches our communities, nurtures our spirits, and helps us see the world with wonder and hope.

Colossians 3 v 23 - Whatever you do; work at it with all your heart; as working for the Lord.

Courage - 

Courage is a powerful value, enabling us to face challenges, stand up for what is right, and persevere in the face of fear or uncertainty.

The Bible is filled with stories of courage, from David stepping forward to face Goliath to Esther risking her life to save her people. Jesus himself demonstrated ultimate courage, standing firm in his mission even when faced with suffering and death, reminding his followers, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Courage involves strength, resilience, and trust in something greater than ourselves. It empowers us to take risks, speak out against injustice, and step into the unknown with faith. Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act in spite of it, motivated by love, conviction, and hope.

When we live with courage, we inspire others and reflect the boldness of God’s love and grace. It is through acts of courage, big and small, that we overcome adversity, make meaningful change, and create a world where truth and goodness prevail.

Joshua 1 v 9 - Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Our School Prayer

As part of Vision and Values week, all of our children contributed to writing our very own Barnham School Prayer that encapsulates our ethos and  vision:

Dear God,

Thank you that we are all different and you bring us together as a family to inspire one another.

We are sorry for the times we have not tried our best or cherished each other as we should.

Please help us to believe in ourselves and each other so that together we can change the world with kindness, courage and respect

Amen.

 

Our School Songs

Each year we have annual 'School Vision Song Contest' and our creative children have a chance to enter this competition. We ask that children put our school vision into a song and set it to a well-known tune or popular song so that we can all sing it throughout the year. 

In 2023, Evelyn wrote this song, set to the tune of the Wellerman Sea Shanty:

We go to a school that’s so lovely
The name of the school is Barnham Primary
It’s values are so clear to see
Inspire, Cherish, Believe.

Jesus is at our heart
He helps us with the best of starts
Together we play our part
Inspire, Cherish, Believe

Friendship’s important, it is the key
We treat each other as a family
Forgive and be thankful so that we
Inspire, Cherish, Believe.

Compassion is the Barnham way
We learn and grow lots everyday
Happily, we all can say
Inspire, Cherish, Believe

We had two brilliant songs shared in 2024, Hugo wrote this one set to the popular child's song 'B-I-N-G-O':

There is a school that is great fun
And Barnham is its name-o.
Barnham Primary School,
Barnham Primary School,
Barnham Primary School,
Yes, Barnham is its name-o

There is a school that teaches about God......
There is a school that helps us thrive.....
There is a school that welcomes all.....
There is a school that has yummy food.....
There is a school that believes in us......

Willow wrote this set to Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond:

It all began
With Jesus, his love and kindness 
And with our faith we can’t go wrong.
He is the vines
We are the branches thriving
Growing together true and strong 

Hands
Helping hands 
Reaching out 
Helping me, helping you

Sweet Barnham School
School days never seemed so good
Barnham is cool! 
We Inspire, Cherish, Believe 

And now I, look all around
At my friends and my teachers 
My heart's so full of gratitude 
When times are hard
I find strength and forgiveness 
We love a challenge, yes we do! 

Hands
Helping hands 
Reaching out 
Helping me, helping you

Sweet Barnham School
School days never seemed so good
Barnham is cool!
We Inspire, Cherish, Believe