Christian Distinctiveness

Great Oak Multi Academy Trust aims to create a group of primary schools connected by a common commitment to learn from each other by sharing good practice and experiences, as well as supporting each other across the Academy community. Our purpose is to work as a team to develop collaboration to ensure every child within the Great Oak Multi Academy Trust has the best possible educational experiences.

 

Our vision is to provide an excellent education for every child, enhanced by a distinctively Christian ethos within our Trust family.

  

Church Schools

The Trust supports each of its schools to preserve and develop their religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England. Each school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice.  

Each Church of England school across the UK is supported by its local Diocesan Board of Education and our schools are proud to be part of the Diocese of Chelmsford. Each school’s vision and values are firmly grounded in the principles of the Church of England. 

 

Debden C of E Primary Academy

That they may have life in all its fullness.’ 

John 10:10

 

Great Chesterford C of E Primary Academy

‘Two are better than one, because together they can work more effectively.’

Ecclesiastes 4:9

 

Our church schools, warmly welcome children and families of all faiths and none, and prospective parents are always invited to visit our schools to see their vision and values in action. 

 

Collective Worship

Daily collective worship is intrinsically linked to each school’s Christian values and focuses largely on how those values relate to our daily lives. Significant events, festivals and faith days are celebrated and considered in a fully inclusive way. It is a moment in the school day for everyone to come together to either celebrate or to reflect. 

The schools in our Trust, plan and deliver collective worship that is: 

  • Invitational, offering everyone the opportunity to engage in the act of worship, whilst allowing the freedom for those of other faiths and none to be present with integrity
  • Inspiring and creative, impacting the whole community and motivating them into action to be courageous advocates 
  • Inclusive, where all are welcomed, have a voice and are listened to 

 

Religious Education (RE)

In our schools, RE is a highly valued academic subject that enables understanding of how religion and belief affect our daily lives. A broad and balanced RE curriculum enables pupils to develop religious literacy - the ability to hold informed and balanced conversations about religion and beliefs. In planning and delivering their RE curricular, our schools aim to provide a balance between the disciplines of Theology, Philosophy and Human and Social Sciences.

 

Local community

Our schools are very proud to be an integral part of their local communities and value enormously the support which they receive from both the local and wider communities. Each school is blessed to have the support of their local churches and clergy teams: Debden St Mary the Virgin Church, Debden and All Saints’ Church, Great Chesterford.

These church links include:

  •        Regular visits from the clergy team, including the leading of collective worship   
  •        Whole school Church services at Harvest, Christmas and Easter 
  •        Church visits to support the Christian element of the RE curriculum
  •        Governance support

 

Please refer to the specific school website for further information regarding their Christian Distinctiveness, Vision and Values or any applicable policies including, RE and Collective Worship.

 

School Street, Great Chesterford, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1NN 01799 530292 admin@greatchesterford.essex.sch.uk