Christian Distinctiveness

Woodthorpe CE Primary School is part of the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust and is proud to serve its community as a Church of England school. Our Christian vision and values underpin every aspect of school life and shape the relationships, opportunities and experiences we provide for our children.

Our vision is rooted in the words of St Paul:

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

This simple but powerful message reflects our belief that every member of our school community matters. We strive to create a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to grow academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually, whilst supporting and celebrating one another along the way.

At the heart of our school is our CARE Code:

• Care
• Aspire
• Resilience
• Enjoyment

These values underpin everything we do and guide the way we learn, work and live together. We encourage our children to care for themselves, others and the wider world; to aspire to achieve their very best; to develop resilience when faced with challenges; and to enjoy learning and life as part of our school family.

A Diverse and Inclusive School Community

Woodthorpe is a diverse and inclusive school where every child is valued and respected. Our Christian vision reminds us that each person is unique and created in God's image. We celebrate difference and work hard to ensure that all children feel welcomed, supported and able to flourish.

This commitment can be seen through the wide range of opportunities and support we provide, including Forest School, Lego Therapy, nurture provision, pastoral support and inclusive classroom practices. We believe that by encouraging one another and building each other up, every child can experience success and develop confidence in their own abilities.

The Story of the Four Friends

Our vision is also inspired by the Gospel story of the paralysed man and his four friends (Mark 2:1-12).

In this story, four friends are determined to help a man who cannot walk reach Jesus. When they are unable to get through the crowded doorway, they work together, show perseverance and lower their friend through the roof so that Jesus can heal him.

This story beautifully reflects the values we hold at Woodthorpe. It demonstrates friendship, compassion, determination and community. The four friends did not give up when faced with obstacles; instead, they worked together to support someone who needed help.

At Woodthorpe, we seek to follow this example. We encourage children to support one another, show kindness, include everyone and help those who may be facing challenges. We believe that we are strongest when we work together and that every member of our school family has a role to play in helping others succeed.

Our Partnership with St John the Baptist Church

We enjoy a close relationship with St John the Baptist Church in Staveley, which plays an important role in the spiritual life of our school. Through collective worship, church visits, special services and community events, children are given opportunities to explore faith, reflect on Christian values and develop an understanding of the Christian story.

These experiences help children to appreciate the role of faith within our local community while encouraging respect and understanding for people of all beliefs and backgrounds.

Living Our Vision

Our Christian vision is not simply a statement; it is lived out every day through our actions, relationships and decision-making. Whether children are learning in the classroom, exploring in Forest School, participating in Lego Therapy, supporting a friend in need or celebrating each other's achievements, they are putting our vision into practice.

By encouraging one another and building each other up, we aim to create a school where every child feels valued, supported and inspired to flourish.

At Woodthorpe, we are more than a school; we are a family, united by our shared commitment to care for one another and help every child become the very best version of themselves.

Archbishop of York Young Leaders Award

At Woodthorpe, children in Year 1 and Year 3 take part in the Archbishop of York Young Leaders Award. This programme encourages children to recognise that they can make a positive difference in the world around them and empowers them to become a voice for change within their communities.

Through the award, pupils explore issues affecting their local, national and global communities and learn how Christian values can inspire action. Children are encouraged to identify areas where they can make a difference and to develop projects that support others, promote positive change and contribute to the common good.

By participating in both local and wider community projects, children develop leadership skills, confidence, empathy and a sense of responsibility. The award helps our pupils understand that they have the power to influence change and make a meaningful contribution to society, both now and in the future.

Our Kolkata Partnership

For the past three years, members of staff from Woodthorpe have travelled to Kolkata, India, to work alongside a charity linked to Kolkata Cathedral. During these visits, staff support teaching and learning at Brace Bridge School, which serves children living in some of the most disadvantaged communities in the city.

This partnership provides a unique opportunity for our pupils to develop a deeper understanding of the wider world. Through videos, photographs, assemblies, classroom discussions and first-hand accounts from staff, children at Woodthorpe learn about life in India, explore different cultures and compare their own experiences with those of children living in Kolkata.

The partnership helps children develop empathy, gratitude and a greater appreciation of diversity. It encourages them to reflect on both the similarities and differences that exist across the world and to recognise the importance of supporting and caring for others.

Our Kolkata link strongly reflects our Christian vision, inspired by the words of St Paul:

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Through learning about the lives, experiences and aspirations of children in Kolkata, our pupils are encouraged to think beyond themselves and consider how they can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

The partnership also embodies our CARE Code:

• Care – understanding and supporting the needs of others.
• Aspire – recognising that every child deserves opportunities to succeed.
• Resilience – learning from the determination and perseverance shown by others.
• Enjoyment – celebrating different cultures, experiences and ways of life.

By fostering global awareness and encouraging children to see themselves as part of a wider community, our Kolkata partnership helps nurture compassionate, informed and responsible citizens who are ready to contribute positively to the world around them.

Collective Worship

Collective Worship is a central part of life at Woodthorpe and plays an important role in nurturing the spiritual development of our children. Through worship, we provide opportunities for reflection, prayer, celebration and an exploration of our Christian vision and values.

Our worship programme is rooted in our Christian ethos and encourages children to reflect on how they can live out our vision of "Encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11) within our school and wider community.

Throughout the week, children take part in a variety of worship experiences:

• Monday – Singing Praise Worship, where children come together to learn and sing a range of hymns and worship songs.
• Tuesday – Whole School Worship, led by Father Adrian, focusing on a Christian value from our long-term worship plan and helping children understand how these values can be applied in everyday life.
• Wednesday and Thursday – Class-Based Worship, where children explore themes in greater depth through reflection, discussion, prayer and resources such as Picture News. These sessions encourage children to consider current events, moral issues and how they can make a positive difference in the world.
• Friday – Celebration Worship, where we come together to celebrate achievements, recognise positive attitudes to learning and present our CARE Code awards. We also celebrate our Class of the Week, recognising those who have demonstrated our values of Care, Aspire, Resilience and Enjoyment. Parents and families are invited to join us for these special occasions.

Our close links with St John the Baptist Church enrich our worship programme and provide opportunities for children to engage with the local church community. Through worship, children are encouraged to develop their understanding of Christian values, reflect on their own beliefs and appreciate the importance of community, kindness and service to others.