Pulham Church of England VC Primary School 

St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians 

OUR VISION 

Children are the heart of our Vision. 

Everyone will flourish when working together in a safe environment, rooted and grounded in Christian values. A culture of excellence together with our broad-based curriculum ensures pupils are equipped with wisdom, knowledge and skills. A desire for learning enables us to make a difference in the modern world. 

THE VISION

Church of England School 

Pulham is one of over a hundred church schools in the Diocese of Norwich. As a VC (Voluntary Controlled) school, the collective worship is wholly Christian. The school is inspected regularly under the SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspection framework. At the last SIAMS inspection the school was graded at Outstanding.  

Working together 

Pulham is a comparatively small Primary School and therefore the sharing and seeking of excellence with other schools is important. We regard ourselves as an outward looking, inward facing school and conduct research and look for examples of good practice to develop the educational offer for all our pupils. This has a positive impact in areas of Staff CPD and in their well-being and in the continuous improvement of the school both financially and academically. We will continue to work closely with Parents; the Local Authority, the Diocese and local Church, Parish Council, all those who have an interest in the success of the school.  

Safe working environment 

The Headteacher, Governors and staff are totally committed to providing a safe environment whether this is demonstrated through the implementation of our policies on Health and Safety and through the recruitment of staff. Everyone should be safe and feel safe. 

Rooted and grounded 

This descriptive phrase is a quote from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians Ch 3 verse 17 and talks about people being rooted and grounded in love  

‘so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith – that you being rooted and grounded in love may have the power to grasp how wide and long and how high and deep is the love of Christ. 

Christian values 

Christian values are at the heart of the school and are shared and lived out in the everyday life of the school. The values of love, forgiveness, hope and respect, shared with many faiths, inform the character of the school and are embedded in everything that we do strategically and academically.  

St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians Chapter 4 verse 32: 

‘Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.  

Culture of excellence 

The Headteacher and Governing Board want a school that is recognised as a Centre of excellence. A place where inspirational teaching is of the highest standard with the staff continually up dating their knowledge. A modern approach to learning is embraced using technologically sound support. Through moderation and training, standards of teaching and learning are maintained. 

Broad–based curriculum 

We have developed a curriculum enhanced through trips that recognises the importance of developing the whole person. All pupils are given the opportunity to shine, to surprise themselves and others with no ceiling placed upon their learning. Embedded within our curriculum are the core values of activity, creativity, wisdom and joy. Our curriculum celebrates diversity, endurance and compassion with the implementation, intent and impact of all elements considered. We will continue to devote time in the curriculum to those subjects that will encourage children to discover the natural world and to understand the part they play as stewards of their world. We recognise the need to fully resource the teaching and have classrooms and buildings that are fit for purpose. 

Pupil Centred 

Governors and Staff are committed to putting children at the centre of the school. In the day–to–day activity and the strategic development of the school pupils come first, their success is the driving force, their progress is of the greatest importance. 

Each child is unique 

Pulham school is inclusive and diverse welcoming all children and their parents irrespective of their culture, faith, background or ability. Care is taken to treat each child as a unique individual, appreciating that every child has their own strengths and areas of development which need to be nurtured in order to flourish. Our admissions policy welcomes all families, those of faith, Christian or not, or of no faith. Treating every child as a unique individual allows them to progress to be the best version of themselves. 

Desire for learning 

We encourage a positive growth mindset in all our staff and learners. Everyone knows that they can learn from their mistakes particularly when working independently. We instill in pupils and staff a love of learning and a curiosity about the world around them that will enable them to take the next step, whether at High School or in their future adulthood. 

“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” (Romans 12:6) 

Children will thrive and Shine as lights in the world 

In a happy, nurturing and safe environment, children will grow academically and spiritually.  

St. Paul is encouraging people of the early church to be cheerful and uncomplaining as they work for the benefit of others – as Jesus did 

The reference is from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians 

‘shine like stars in the world (Chapter 2 verse 15). 

Our wonderful world 

The world is very large; mass instant communication has made it easy to make connections all over the world. Children today need to be able to take their part and succeed in a rapidly changing world. Introduction to other places, cultures and faiths gives pupils the opportunity to develop their understanding and respect for the modern world. Being able to make friends and communicate, whilst obtaining skills and values will enable everyone to grow as members of society and the world. As a result, pupils will grow as courageous advocates, striving to make a difference in our world 

Approved by the Governing Body  

May 19th 2020