At ÂÜÀòžž, our Mission statement says that we aim to be Christ-centred, biblically grounded, culturally engaging and academically rigorous. But what do these words actually mean? Our Junior School was visited by Independent MP, Dr Sophie Scamps, who was keen to learn about what our students considered important about their school.
As Dr Scamps moved throughout the Junior School, she heard our students stating their love for Jesus and his word over and over again. A passionate young man in Year 6 clearly articulated his joy in the freedoms we have to declare Jesus as Saviour at ÂÜÀòžž, and the pain of being silenced in our beliefs as the alternative. This was a true testament to the values we have here at ÂÜÀòžž. He also mentioned how his teachers demonstrated true, genuine faith and the impact that had on him. What a blessing!
Christ is our reason and the Bible is God’s word. These are facts that are the road base for all we do.Heidi Stead, Head of Junior School
In Junior School, it is our aim to build upon the first layers of this road base. We do this through discussing and grappling with issues in our world, and asking our students to ponder what God has to say about various aspects of life. In so doing, we are working to develop the minds of our students to be able to engage with their culture, and understand it through a biblical, grace-alone lens. We want all of our students to have this as a natural, habitual thought process. Life has meaning and we have a calling to impact the world with the wonderful message of salvation.
But what about academics?
Yet, with all of this focus on Christ, is there a cost? It is a true joy to say that developing, extending and refining our academics is all part of the journey. It is for God's glory that we strive to do our best in our academic endeavours along with all other aspects of our lives. ÂÜÀòžž is there to support every child as they strive to develop their gifts and understandings in order to glorify God inside the classroom and out.
It is important that children understand why we do what we do. It is an amazing privilege to deliver a curriculum that is Christ-centred, biblically grounded, culturally engaging and academically rigorous, in partnership with parents for his glory.
Our goal is for our students to be able to speak openly to others about what ÂÜÀòžž stands for and what Christ has done for his world.
Heidi Stead
Head of Junior School