Western Downland Church of England (Aided) Primary School highly values its Christian foundation and its close links within the Western Downland parishes and the Diocese of Salisbury.
The Christian understanding which informs and underpins our shared values and activities at Western Downland begins from two simple principles, “The Roots to Grow and the Wings to Fly”.
The Roots to Grow: We begin with a conviction that there is a starting point and foundation for all that nurtures and nourishes a fulfilling life. We seek to provide a secure, nourishing environment which feeds people’s sense of worth, informs their appreciation of the world around them and fires their imagination.
The Wings to Fly: We believe in providing the opportunity for each person in our School to thrive, fulfil their potential and even to reach beyond what is-as yet-possible. We seek to develop people’s confidence and self-belief. We look to equip them with skills and encourage a resilience that enables them to successfully meet challenges, solve problems and overcome setbacks. We help them to foster their understanding of being part of a community, in which we can gain as well as give, through the skills and insights of others. We will introduce them to new experiences and insights which will enrich their self-understanding, and enable them to move forward with a growing sense of who they are and their place in the world.
As a Church of England primary school our Christian values underpin the way in which we treat each other- evident in the mutual respect and caring ethos seen as you walk around our school.
Our vision is to foster self- assured, articulate and aspiring learners, with the resourcefulness to remain hopeful, resilient and adaptable, (even) in a changing and unpredictable world.
It is the aim of the whole school team to help each child become a successful learner and well-rounded individual who is ready to take the next steps in their learning journey ‘The roots to grow and the wings to fly’.
We enter into the kingdom of God by accepting Jesus as our savior. Through faith in Jesus and obedience to his commands, we experience the fullness of the kingdom of God and live as citizens of his eternal kingdom.
Our school vision is encapsulated in the image of a tree. Each pupil is represented by a leaf that, having been given the right conditions (an accessible, inclusive & nurturing environment), grows. The soil around the tree which holds the roots in place represents our community, the Western Downland parishes and the Salisbury Diocese whom we have close links with, whilst the roots (representative of our parental body) feed the school. The trunk and branches of the tree (representative of staff & leaders) transport nutrients ‘knowledge & values’ from the roots to the leaves.
The leaves of different plants vary widely in size, shape, and colour just as our pupils do. Plants lose leaves and grow new ones throughout their lives just like the school loses and grows new pupils. Leaves that have fallen on the ground are a rich source of carbon and other nutrients. These leaves can be used to provide nutrients for shrubs, trees, flowers, and vegetable gardens. Just like the leaves, pupils we lose have a positive effect on the world ‘they have the roots to grow and the wings to fly’ and use their unique personality, talents and Christian values (Love, Fellowship & Righteousness) to serve others.
“And the leaves on the tree are for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2).
To be the hands and feet of Jesus.
We recognise that the world is changing and unpredictable and use resourcefulness, hope, resilience and adaptability to ensure our tree stands tall and strong.
Our Christian values of Love, Fellowship and Righteousness help our pupils become citizens of the world and are lived out in policy and practice to enable pupils and adults to flourish.
Please see here for our latest SIAMS report.
