Our school provides our children with a broad and balanced curriculum, based on four pillars where the teaching of Christ is at the very centre of all we do at our school.
We provides our children with a broad and balanced curriculum, based on four pillars where the teaching of Christ is at the very centre of all we do at our school.
We aim to provide Religious Education for all pupils in accordance with the Curriculum Directory for Catholic Schools as regulated by the Diocese and to deliver a broad and well-balanced curriculum which is creative, imaginative, enriching, relevant and challenging, where children experience the opportunity to learn in a wide range of contexts (see the St Mark’s Curriculum Journey).
As a community, we have identified six core values (6Rs) that stem from our Vision and are deeply rooted in the Gospel Values.
We are a community of faith and learning with Christ at the centre
Our vision aims for children to live life to the full and to achieve this by the end of year 6 our expectations are that pupils will:
- Be aware of their faith identity and uphold Catholic values.
- Be aspirational in outlook and strive to achieve their potential – spiritually, emotionally and personally. This will provide the foundational qualities necessary to become future Catholic leaders.
- Lead active lifestyles and make informed choices for their well-being.
- Equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their subsequent educational journeys.
In order to fullfill our Mission, we aim:
Catholic Identity
To provide an inspiring and well-rounded Catholic education for all our children, based on the teaching of Jesus Christ, in which the values of the Gospel underpin all aspects of school life
To challenge our children to aim high but not to be afraid to fail, to have the courage to admit their mistakes, to be curious about the world and make informed decisions, to listen respectfully and value other people’s viewpoints, and to be fearless when standing up for what is right and fair
To encourage our children to aspire to achieve their full potential and to develop a passion for learning that will stay with them throughout their life
To support the emotional and spiritual needs of our children so that they develop strength of character and resilience, qualities they need as they grow up and go on to take their place in this fast-changing world (see the St Mark’s Curriculum Journey).
Pastoral Care
The School in the Community
To promote a close and cooperative relationship between the home, parish and school so that there is a true partnership in all aspects of the education of our children and that they are adequately prepared to take their place as members of the wider community.
We wish to provide the ethos and climate in which the faith of all members may grow and develop. Opportunity for reflection, daily prayer and regular invitations to the celebration of the Eucharist are fundamental to the life of the school. We value each person as a child of God, created in the image and likeness of God; each member with their own personal dignity, uniqueness and worth. We believe that each person is equal to others regardless of gender, nationality, colour, creed, class, wealth or intellectual ability.
The overall embracing aim is to enable each person to embrace lives of holiness. This means being fully alive to God and fully alive to one another. In this journey, each person develops his or her individual talents and uses these gifts for the benefit of the society in which they live.
We want the children at St Mark’s to be happy and to enjoy and remember their years here. At St Mark’s each child will be known and loved; valued and cared for and provided with equality of opportunity in a community which strives for excellence for all.
Faith
British Values
The teaching of British values is embedded in the ethos of this school. The school’s curriculum teaches aspects of British values through a range of activities.
For example, democracy has been taught and promoted through the activities of our School and Worship Councils and Parliament week.
Rule of law is well understood by our children through their participation in writing class rules, their knowledge of school rules, our behaviour policy and our sanctions and rewards system and the visits from Community Police Officers.
Individual liberty is well understood through our constant reinforcement of Christian values – making the right choice with a complete awareness of its effect on others. Finally, mutual respect and tolerance. This is lived every day of every week, with our staff providing an exemplary role model through their respect and teamwork.
In the heart of our community lies a school that stands as a beacon of light, guiding young souls on their educational journey. St. Mark’s Catholic Primary School isn’t just an institution of learning; it’s a place where faith, values, and academic excellence converge to create a unique and nurturing environment. At the very core of this exceptional institution is an ethos that defines who we are and what we stand for.
Nurturing Hearts and Minds
The Foundation of Faith
St. Mark’s is grounded in the rich traditions of Catholic education. Our ethos is firmly rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, and it serves as the cornerstone of our school community. We believe that faith is not merely a subject to be studied but a way of life to be embraced.
Our aim is to inspire students to cultivate their own personal relationship with faith, fostering a sense of spirituality and moral responsibility that will guide them throughout their lives.
While our faith is the foundation, academic excellence is the framework upon which we build a bright future for our students. St. Mark’s Catholic Primary School maintains high academic standards, offering a rigorous curriculum that challenges and inspires young minds.
We believe that education is not solely about acquiring knowledge but also about nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. Our teachers are dedicated to cultivating an environment where every student can thrive academically.
Academic Excellence with a Holistic Approach
Character Development and Values
At St. Mark’s, we understand that education is not limited to textbooks and classrooms. Character development and instilling core values are integral parts of our ethos.
We strive to foster an atmosphere of respect, kindness, and empathy. Our students are encouraged to embody values such as compassion, integrity, and responsibility, not just within the school walls but in their everyday lives.
We believe that these qualities are essential for personal growth and for contributing positively to the world.
Our school is more than just a building; it’s a community. We embrace a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives, recognizing the unique strengths that each student brings.
St. Mark’s is a place where everyone is valued and respected, and where every student can find their place to shine.
We encourage active parental involvement, forming a partnership between home and school that enriches the educational experience.
Community and Inclusivity
A Vision for the Future
As we look to the future, our ethos remains steadfast. We are committed to providing an educational experience that prepares our students not only for academic success but also for a life of purpose and meaning.
St. Mark’s Catholic Primary School continues to evolve, embracing modern teaching methods and technology while preserving the timeless values that define us.
In conclusion, the ethos of St. Mark’s Catholic Primary School is a guiding light, illuminating the path for our students as they grow and learn. It is a commitment to faith, academic excellence, character development, community, and inclusivity. It is a promise to nurture not only the minds but also the hearts of our students, equipping them with the knowledge and values they need to make a positive impact on the world.
In the words of St. Mark himself, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
At St. Mark’s, we take these words to heart, dedicating ourselves to the holistic development of each and every child who walks through our doors. Our ethos is our guiding star, leading us toward a future filled with promise and hope.
St. Mark’s Catholic Primary School – Where Community, Faith and Learning Flourish.