Welcome
- St. John's is a voluntary controlled Church of England school, maintained by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council. It has historic links with St. John's Church, which date back to 1844; however it is open to those of any faith or none at all. Over 150 years of partnership between church, school and community have meant that the school has something very special to offer both child and parent.
- Following the Dukinfield Review of primary places, the school's admission number in 2005 will be 30 pupils. Currently, we have 271 children, from 4 - 11 years organised according to age into mixed ability classes.
- The school is in Dukinfield near the Stalybridge border and is set back off Cheetham Hill Road. It is accessible from Lodge Lane, then Westmorland Avenue.
- St. John's school has existed since the building at Oxford Road was erected in 1844. The present building was opened in 1973 and accommodates 7 classes, plus a Library suite in the entrance hall. Another classroom was built in 1999, attached to the main building; this houses our 16-station computer suite. The semi-open design is well structured with classroom bays and adjacent communal activity areas. There is also a large hall, kitchen and administration section. Two double mobile classrooms are sited next to school, containing 4 classes. The school has a playground with a quiet area and a large sports field.
- There are close connections with St. John's Parish Church. Key Stage 2 pupils attend a weekly service at church led by the vicar, Reverend Tim Hayes.
- At Christmas, Easter, Whitsuntide and on the last day of the school year, 'Special Day' services take place for the whole school and their families. Pupils take an active part in leading these services.
Governing Body Policy Statement |
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St John’s School aims to be an open and inclusive community in which:-
- Staff and governors strive towards raising and continually improving standards of achievement.
- High priority is given to quality of care extended to all its members, nurturing attitudes of mutual respect and responsibility.
- Each child is given opportunities to develop their full physical and spiritual potential. We work together to develop an understanding of Christian faith and worship with a sympathetic understanding of other major world faiths.
- Strong links are fostered with home, church, and our local community and beyond.
Our Mission Statement
Is the principle which holds together the school’s life and work. Within the framework of Christian teaching and worship, St John’s seeks to develop fully the intellectual, physical and spiritual potential of each pupil.
Aims of the School |
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To provide quality of education for all pupils we aim to make our school a place where:
Children
- Are treated equally and given opportunities and encouragement to reach their full potential.
- Have full access to a broad, balanced and stimulating National Curriculum and Religious Education.
- Develop confidence in themselves within a happy and secure school environment.
- Enjoy learning and try to do their best, valuing the efforts and achievements both of themselves and others.
- Are encouraged to appreciate and respect cultural identity by valuing themselves and others equally.
- Develop a caring, considerate attitude to everyone in the school and outside in the community.
- Have pride in and look after their environment.
Staff
- Work well together as a team and have the needs of the children as their first priority.
- Respond positively to the children’s work and encourage pupils to strive for their best.
- Continually review policy and practices to raise standards.
- Create a welcoming atmosphere in their classroom
- Encourage children to view education as an n enjoyable experience and learning as exciting and worthwhile.
Parents
- Are treated as partners in the education of their children.
- Share responsibility by supporting school procedures which have been agreed by the Governing Body and staff.
Church
- Is involved pastorally and spiritually in providing a shared recourse and responsibility.
Community
- Links are developed to widen our children’s experience both within and outside school
Church and School
Knowledge
The teaching of religious knowledge within a rich and diverse society is important and the content of this not just limited to the Christian faith. However, the Christian nature of school is a significant aspect of its life and consequently the Tameside “agreed syllabus” is supplemented by specific Christian teaching.
Understanding
It has been said that we know so much but understand so little. Religious knowledge and religious understanding need to go hand in hand to promote a greater and wider understanding of the world we live in and the people who live in it. Such understanding leads to a common respect of different beliefs whilst not necessarily sharing in them personally.
Faith
Knowledge and understanding are different from a living faith commitment. Such a faith cannot be taught, nor is it school’s duty to do so. However, the unique links with church provide an opportunity for children to see what it means for people to have a living and personal faith. By virtue of the school’s foundation, this is the Christian faith as practiced by the Anglican Church.
Practice
Religious knowledge, understanding and faith are only of value if demonstrated practically, actions speak louder than words. The Christian foundation to the school gives it basis for moral education. This could be summed up in the command of Jesus to love God and to love your neighbour as yourself. Honest, integrity , care and concern are all things which need to be practiced as well as spoken about. The developing of a child’s character has a significance which will last a life time and affect the whole community.
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