Everything we do in school is driven by our Christian Vision. As a Church of England School we place Christian beliefs and values at the heart of everything we do. New Reception children internalise the vision from their first few weeks in school and grow in their understanding of faith and God’s love as they progress into Year 1 and Year 2. Every person in our school family is important, not just as a pupil, parent, volunteer or member of staff, but as a unique and precious individual within God’s creation. We want all our children to flourish in the nurturing and inspiring environment created at Farncombe School.

We are a school driven by a deeply embedded and theologically rooted vision based on ‘Let all you do be done in Love’ (1 Corinthians 16:14): 

Our culture, routines, decisions, curriculum and annual plans for improvement begin with our vision, to continuously look for ways to better embed Christian love and to provide children with opportunities leading to ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10).  This means that, as a church school, the experiences children have here are not only designed to further their academic learning but also their social, cultural, moral and spiritual development. We want all the children here to move onto junior school and beyond possessing key attitudes and values to make a positive contribution to the UK and the world around them.

Our Christian Values help children and others in school to grow their understanding of our school vision. They enable children to see the practical application of ‘Let all you do be done in love‘. For example, when discussing compassion, children are taught that this is part of loving their neighbour (Matthew 22:39). They reflect on ways to do this and opportunities to show compassion. When Trust is a focus, children are supported to see the link to loving God, to sharing any concerns with him, to develop a strong relationship  through prayer.

Our values link into daily assemblies and guidance on relationships and behaviour. Our chosen focus values each year are Endurance, Thankfulness, Compassion, Trust, Hope and Friendship. Optional reading with biblical quotes is emailed to parents each half term when a new value is introduced. In 2021 we re-evaluated our approach to these values, increasing  the ways in which they are promoted and explored in school. We are always looking to develop and improve:

‘He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them in His way.’ Psalms 25:9

British values are fully upheld and taught through our ‘UK’ topic in Geography as well as assemblies, circle times and special events. Young children naturally have a well developed sense of fairness and this is capitalised on and nurtured into democracy and rule of law for all. For example, on a half termly basis children are given a chance to vote for their choice of class treat. Individual liberty and tolerance are built into the prime areas of the YR curriculum and link clearly to our mission statement and school rules.

As a Church of England School we are fully inclusive and celebrate diversity. We welcome families from all faiths and those with none. Through our well designed and delivered RE and Collective Worship provision, all pupils are able to grow in their personal and spiritual development.