Ringsfield Church of England Primary School

The mustard seed “is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”

Matthew 13:31-32 (New Living bible)

Our Narrative-The Mustard Seed

BBR Church of England Primary school is a place for all to grow. Each child is nurtured, and enabled to flourish through our teaching and care. Each individual is like a mustard seed, which grows by being part of our school and is supported by our whole school community. We aim to nurture our school family and empower us to develop and grow our God given talents and reach our full potential in a safe, happy and vibrant school with a strong Christian ethos at the heart of our village community. We strive to support and challenge pupils and adults as they grow emotionally, academically and spiritually.

The whole school community is a place for all to belong so we grow confidently into caring, responsible and hopeful people. As a church school we believe that such belonging reflects what Jesus calls the Kingdom of God. The Mustard seed “is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”

The school values of Responsibility, Individuality, Community, Hope and Growth are nurtured, developed and celebrated in every aspect of the school's daily life.

As in the parable mustard seed, we take responsibility for all in our community. We provide a safe, nurturing place, encouraging everyone to take responsibility for self and the world around them. We teach our children to make the responsible choice, even if it is not the easiest one.

As in the parable of the mustard seed, we are inclusive and have room for everyone. Knowing they are valued, the children are well placed to be who they want to be. We encourage the children to be engaged, enthusiastic and curious learners. Each of us is a unique individual and, like the mustard seed, we all have the potential to grow and to flourish.

Everyone is encouraged to take on responsibilities for making sure the school runs smoothly but also taking responsibility for wider issues by being global citizens. Like the tree that the seed in the parable becomes, we aspire for our school to be a place where everyone feels at home; for us all to become the people that God calls us to be.

As in the parable of the mustard seed, we provide children with a range of experiences and opportunities which gives them the confidence and belief to do their best and believe anything is possible for them. Big things can come from small beginnings; who knows what great things our pupils will go onto achieve in the future?

While the mustard seed is tiny, with the perfect conditions it grows, becomes strong and attracts birds to rest among its branches. We believe that all of our pupils have the potential to do well, to succeed in their learning and to become a valued member of society, regardless of their starting point. The parable can be a metaphor for our children, who blossom during their time here preparing them for the next stage of their journey, at secondary school, and for their role in modern British Society.  We strive to support and challenge pupils and adults as they grow emotionally, academically and spiritually.

We are committed to “nurturing each individual”; we invite everyone to “Grow with us”.

As a Church of England School we strongly believe in the Education vision as stated in, 

Church of England Vision for Education: Deeply Christian, Serving the Common Good (2016)

"We aim to deliver excellence in education and want the very best outcomes for children and young people so that they can achieve their fullest potential. With many schools reporting that they feel under increasing pressure to make artificial choices between academic rigour and the wellbeing of their pupils, we are unequivocal in our message that there is no such distinction – a good education must promote life in all its fullness.

Our vision for education is deeply Christian, with Jesus' promise of 'life in all its fullness' at its heart.

In line with the Church of England's role as the established Church, our vision is for the common good of the whole community.

Educating for wisdom, knowledge and skills: enabling discipline, confidence and delight in seeking wisdom and knowledge, and developing talents in all areas of life.

Educating for hope and aspiration: enabling healing, repair and renewal, coping wisely when things go wrong, opening horizons and guiding people into ways of fulfilling them.

Educating for community and living well together: a core focus on relationships, participation in communities and the qualities of character that enable people to flourish together.

Educating for dignity and respect: the basic principle of respect for the value and preciousness of each person, treating each person as a unique individual of inherent worth"