St. Mary’s, Prittlewell, C of E Primary School: A Flourishing Community

At St. Mary’s, we envision our school as the beating heart of our community, where the flourishing of each individual is at the core of everything we do. With a foundation steeped in Christian values, we embrace a vision that celebrates diversity, fosters belonging, and cultivates courage and discovery.  Within our exciting and vibrant community, every voice is heard, every journey is valued, and every person is celebrated.

Our Christian Vision:  St Mary’s is at the heart of the community, with the flourishing of the community at its heart.

At the Heart of the Community, Flourishing Together

Our school stands as a beacon of hope, embodying the spirit of unity and collective growth. We believe that the prosperity of our community is intrinsically linked to the wellbeing and success of every person within it. Inspired by the words from Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you hope and a future," we are committed to helping each and every child carve out a path filled with purpose, possibility, and promise.

Our Christian Character and Ethos

As a Church of England School, our ethos is grounded in Christian principles of love, compassion, and service. We aspire to embody these values in our interactions, our teachings, and our everyday practices, fostering a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and supported.  We seek to be a loving Christian family in which children of whatever background and faith or non-faith belief may grow happily in understanding, knowledge and confidence, under-pinned by the positive Christian values which shape our school.

Our Values: Our A-B-C-D

We have four core Christian values which link with our Christian vision and are used to enable and encourage the children to reflect upon Christian values and beliefs.  We have chosen Biblical quotes which relate to each of our core Christian values that strengthen learning and understanding of how our Christian vision and associated Christian values may be embraced and lived out by everyone in the school community.

Ambition: We nurture ambition, fostering the drive to excel and the courage to dream big. Our pupils are encouraged to set high goals and to pursue them with determination and perseverance.  Whether a child’s ambitions lie in academics, arts, sports, or beyond, we're here to support them every step of the way.

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7

Belonging: In our school, everyone belongs. We cherish diversity as a strength, fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and unity.  We celebrate our differences and embrace the richness that comes from learning and growing together as a diverse community.  St. Mary’s is a place where everyone, children and adults of any faith, or none, are loved, cared for, respected and encouraged to be their best self.

“So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Romans 12:15

Courage: Courage is not just about facing fears; it's about stepping outside your comfort zone, standing up for what you believe in, and embracing the journey of self-discovery. At St. Mary’s, we encourage everyone to be bold, to take risks, and to learn from every experience, both triumphs and challenges alike. We empower our pupils to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13

Discovery: At St. Mary’s, curiosity is celebrated, and learning knows no bounds. We encourage exploration, creativity, and the pursuit of knowledge, sparking the joy of discovery in every child.  We're passionate about igniting a sense of wonder, encouraging our pupils to question, explore, and unearth the endless possibilities that await them both now and in the future.

“It is the glory of God to conceal things but the glory of kings is to search things out.”  Proverbs 25:2

Our Shared Story: The Parable of the Sower

Just as the good soil provides fertile ground for growth, our school serves as the nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Like the seeds sown with care and intention, we strive to provide the nourishment, guidance, and support necessary for each child to flourish and reach their fullest potential – we want each child to bloom into the best version of themselves.

At St. Mary’s, we are committed to nurturing the potential within each child, fostering a community where hope, growth, and excellence flourish. Together, we embark on a journey of learning, discovery, and transformation, shaping futures filled with adventure and opportunity.

We work and live together in unity as a strong Christian community to enable all God’s children to flourish.