“Living and Learning Together”
The Federation of Priddy Primary and St Lawrence’s C of E Schools, serves two scenic rural communities in Somerset. The two popular schools are approximately 3 miles apart in the villages of Priddy and Westbury-sub-Mendip. They are surrounded by the beautiful landscape and countryside of the Mendip Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Both schools are very proud of their successful federation, and work closely together providing a nurturing and caring environment and a wealth of opportunities for our children, staff and communities.
Our values and ethos are at the core of everything we do. They underpin our teaching and learning, and provide an environment which prepares our pupils as confident, happy citizens.
We aim to:
Be the best that you can be!
“Living and learning together”
Compassion Courage and Perseverance
Our School Vision
Our vision and values are at the core of everything we do. They underpin our teaching and learning, and provide an environment which prepares our pupils as confident, happy citizens.
Our mission statement "To be the best that you can be" sums up the Christian ethos across the Federation of Priddy & St Lawrence’s. It is our belief that the commitment and enthusiasm of the staff in both enjoying and supporting our children to realise this aim is key. If we have high expectations the children will aspire to great things whatever their talents may be.
Our School Values
The values of our school were chosen by the children and are grounded in the Christian faith. These values have been highlighted below along with key biblical verses to support the planning of collective worship;
Our Christian Values
COMPASSION
2 Colossians 3.12: Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Luke 10.25-37: (The story of the Good Samaritan)
Matthew 7.12: Treat others as you want them to treat you.
Spiritual
Jesus’ works of healing were always rooted in his compassion for others. In the story he told which is known as the Good Samaritan, the compassion shown is directed toward someone totally unexpected. Jesus was making the point that we are called to care for those outside our own cultural or social circle as well as our friends and family. The literal meaning of the word, ‘compassion’ suggests suffering with or alongside someone else. In developing character, we encourage an attitude of empathy and understanding of others, trying to imagine what it is like to stand in the shoes of another.
Moral
We try to explore what it means to live out Jesus’ teaching, exemplified in the command to do to others as you would have them do to you. (Matthew 7.12)
Social
As a community, we try to share one another’s burdens and to help everyone to know that struggling and failure are not signs of weakness but opportunities to learn more about ourselves and others, and to grow as an interdependent family. We actively look out for opportunities to support charities and good causes that improve the quality of life for people in our own country and the wider world.
Cultural
We recognise that our nation has, throughout its history, offered a safe place for those fleeing persecution and disaster. We celebrate the rich diversity that this has brought to our culture and seek to play our part in offering a welcome to all those joining our school community especially anyone in any kind of need.
COURAGE
Deuteronomy 31. 6: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
2 Timothy 1. 7: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Spiritual
Jesus lived in the assurance that his Father God would provide all that he needed. This gave him the courage to face even the cross. At our school, the words from the book to Timothy (see above) guide the way we approach any challenges that face us.
Moral
Learning from Jesus, we recognize that taking a moral stand or tackling a challenge will require courage but we also know that we can pray for God’s strength and his help.
Social
As a community, we explore the Christian belief that almost anything is possible because God is for us. We therefore encourage one another to reach our God-given potential, to have high aspirations and participate in artistic, sporting, and cultural activities that take us outside of our comfort zone.
Cultural
We take inspiration from those who have been uncompromising in standing for justice and have been true to their Christian faith in the face of persecution.
PERSEVERANCE
Hebrews 12.1: Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us that is before us. Deuteronomy 13.6: The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.
Spiritual
Despite opposition and adversity, Jesus did not compromise or lose heart in his determination to accomplish his mission. We recognise that sometimes we will face difficulties and personal challenges in life but we know that we can pray for God's help because he has promised never to leave us.
Moral
As the life of Jesus exemplifies, standing for justice and doing what we believe to be right, may not always result in change immediately. Sometimes we may feel discouraged. At our school, we teach that perseverance and resilience are important qualities in developing character.
Social
As a community, we value and celebrate perseverance and resilience, encouraging one another consistently to take one step at a time to achieve our goals.
Cultural
We aim to foster a culture that recognizes that ‘quick wins’ are not always possible and are often not sustainable. We believe that the principle of ‘training well’ is usually more fruitful in building character than ‘trying harder.’ We actively seek out contemporary as well as historical role models who have achieved their goals through persevering, even in the toughest of circumstances.