At Sutton Courtenay CE Primary school, we recognise and acknowledge that all children and adults are unique and we desire to see them achieve their best as part of our mission to strive for excellence.

As part of our drive towards community cohesion, we have developed an extremely strong and mutually beneficial partnership with the Parish church, its clergy and the community. Our pupils are eager to be involved in church activities, particularly the choir, and end of term services; leavers service resulting in an increased number of families now attending church services.

Our children are taught through an engaging, inclusive and an enjoyable Religious Education curriculum, which whilst covering other faiths gives weight to the Christian faith as held by the Church of England. The spirit and teaching of the Christian faith underpin all aspects of our school life.  We are committed to encouraging and supporting individuals to reach their full potential in becoming life-long, independent learners.

At our school, collective worship occupies a place of extreme importance, thereby affirming and further strengthening the Christian values upon which our school’s entire life is built through distinctly Christian teachings, particularly those of Jesus Christ; celebration of significant Christian festivals and feast days with the Parish

As part of God’s command to love our neighbour; in order to encourage children’s awareness of the wider world, we have international links with Kabubu Church of Uganda Primary school. This develops their understanding of global Christianity, and encourages them to look for similarities in faith and worship across the world. 

As a Church school we are regularly inspected through SIAMS; our last full inspection stated:

The school lives out its Christian vision, enriching and supporting the lives of all
families within the community. Modelled by the headteacher, staff demonstrate an
uncompromising service, nurturing readiness to learn, respect and responsibility. 

The ambitious curriculum relates to the values rooted in biblical teaching. Pupils clearly
articulate how they use these to be ready to learn or how they can show respect for others.
The vision forms a foundation for learning, to build pupils' understanding of their
responsibility for their own successes and towards the wider community. 

SIAMS November 2022.

Understanding social action and advocacy

As part of our Harvest Festival, we hold a collection for the Abingdon Food Bank. Children are encouraged to understand that any one of us can be in need at different times in our lives, and that as a community we advocate for the who need our help.  

Collective Worship

Collective Worship takes place daily.  It is inclusive of all children, and although children are invited to reflect and pray, no child is required to do so and suggestions are made for children who just prefer to be respectfully silent. It is a joyful occasion involving song, stories, drama and active participation designed to support children's understanding of the school values.

Religious Education

We are very proud of our RE teaching, which engages children through key themes and encourages them to reflect on similarities between the world's wisdom traditions.

Spiritual Development

Spiritual development runs through our curriculum.  Children are encouraged to reflect with awe and wonder at the world around them as they engage in the environment in forest school and in the local area, watch things grow in our garden, care for each other through our values, and engage with the community. Time and space for reflection are built into the day's routines and the classroom environments.