What makes a good Christian school?
All children are created in the image of God and born with the potential to change the world. All too often however, children fail to overcome the multitude of barriers facing them in this fast-paced society. Our vision is that Peter Hills will be a truly learning-centred school with a Christ-like ethos which strives to nurture the creative talents of all its learners. We are determined to break down the barriers that hold children back from realising their God-given purpose. We make a deliberate attempt to link the gospel of Christ to the daily life of the school. Put simply, our vision is;
‘Breaking barriers with God in life, learning and love."
Our vision and narrative do not stand alone but are the foundations for all our work. In our distinctive ethos, everyone shares the same aims. Our children know and recall stories, objects and songs which underpin the narrative of educating the saints of today for the world of tomorrow. There is a deliberate attempt to link the gospel of Christ with the daily life of the school. A Christian school is one in which the atmosphere is open and understanding of the message of the Christian Gospel. Every person has a unique task to do, with God, and for God, whether they know it or not. It doesn't mean that everyone involved has to share the same theology or philosophy. It doesn't mean that everyone knows that they have this relationship with God, and is consciously working at it. A Christian school is one in which the entire atmosphere is pervaded by the conviction that there is something mysterious, and potentially wonderful, in everybody.
This leads to;
- an atmosphere of encouragement, self belief, acceptance and respect;
- an ability for children to raise their belief and confidence in themselves;
- a strong partnership between adults and children;
- a sensitivity towards the beliefs of the community;
- a curriculum that combines academic rigour with fun, sensitivity, reflection and prayer;
- a strong link to the churches in the community;
- a reflective and all encompassing religious education provision
- children who are able to express their emotional vulnerabilities as they know they will be supported.
The Archbishop of Canterbury says,
“A Christian school is one in which the atmosphere has that kind of openness about it, that sense that people are worth spending time with, that people need time to grow, need loving attention. The Christian Gospel says that every person has a unique task to do, with God, and for God, whether they know or not. It doesn't necessarily mean that everyone involved has to share the same theology or philosophy. It doesn't mean that everyone knows that they have this relationship with God, and is unconsciously working at it. But a Christian school is one which the entire atmosphere is pervaded by a conviction that there is something mysterious , and potentially wonderful, in everybody.”
