Last updated 2nd October 2026

by Mrs M Carvell

We are proud to be a Church School and our close links with the St Peter's Church and the Church Community strengthen and enrich our Christian Ethos, which lies at the heart of and underpins everything we do.  

As a Church of England school we celebrate Christian values that help us work, pray and learn together. Our school Christian Vision is ‘A Christian Environment for Growing, Learning and Fun’.

We provide children with a happy, safe and stimulating environment in which to learn and flourish devloping their moral and spiritual character. We actively encourage children to take responsibility for themselves and become increasingly independent. Our high expectations of behaviour, along with the many opportunities to celebrate success, make for a school in which all stakeholders are proud to be part of.  

This principle remains: Church of England schools are not ‘faith schools’ in the sense of presuming children and their families are practising Christians. We offer children an experience of faith (for example, through collective worship and links with St. Peter's church), where pupils and their families, and our staff, may have different beliefs. Families might attend a church in the area, or belong to a different faith, or choose to have no faith at all.

This video on You Tube published by the Diocese Of Derbyshire helps explain what a church school is and why we at St. John's are a "Church of England" School. 

We are also proud of our very strong links with St. Peter's Church in Belper.

Reverend Elliot George is the Vicar of St Peter’s Church in Belper and plays an active role in supporting the local community, schools and parish life. Known for his warm and approachable manner, he regularly leads worship, works closely with local families, and helps children and young people explore faith in meaningful and engaging ways. Reverend Elliot is passionate about sharing the Christian message of hope, kindness and belonging, and is a valued partner in the life of St John’s and the wider Belper community.

We also deliver regular services at St. Peter's led by children from different year groups to celebrate particular festivals or events in the life of the school. In addition to the regular services, our children also frequently visit St. Peter's for educational visits when we discover more about Christian worship and faith. 

We also celebrate our links with the Diocese of Derbyshire. As part of the diocese family we are able to work together with diocese staff and with the staff from more than a hundred other Church of England Schools in Derbyshire to help us support children and staff.

 

Voluntary Controlled (VC) schools

There are 1620 VC schools. VC schools are 'managed' by the local authority (LA) whilst maintaining their distinctive characteristics.

The key characteristics of a VC school are:

• The LA employs the staff, but they are appointed by the governors
• The LA is responsible for admissions arrangements.
• The LA can advise the governing body; the diocesan director of education (DDE) may be given the same opportunity to advise.
• RE taught is the LA agreed syllabus and worship reflects the Anglican tradition
• No one group of governors is in a majority. Church or Foundation governors are in a minority.

Click on the link below to be directed to the Collective Worship page with everything you need to know about our values and Collective Worship here at St John's.

CLICK HERE

Spirituality at St John’s Church of England

Primary School & Nursery

At St John’s CE Primary School & Nursery, spirituality means noticing, reflecting and responding - to God, to others, to ourselves and to God’s world. Rooted in the Christian story and inspired by Jesus, we help children GROW in character and faith, LEARN with wisdom and compassion, and thrive with joy, hope and FUN. Through worship, a creative curriculum, reflection tools like Windows, Mirrors and Doors, and opportunities for service and courageous advocacy, every child - whatever their background or belief - is welcomed, celebrated and supported to be their best, so they can be a blessing to others, and it is nurtured every day through our vision to Grow, Learn and have Fun.

Our Theological Roots

Our approach flows from the Christian story and the life of Jesus, expressed through Scripture:

• GROW – Each child is wonderfully made and invited to flourish.
  Jesus welcomed children and blessed them (Luke 18:15-17), showing every child’s worth and dignity. We aim to be good soil where children’s spirituality takes root and grows (Matthew 13), remembering that Jesus taught that fruitful branches are the ones that remain connected to him, the true vine (John 15:1-8). By persevering through challenges, we grow in spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4, 12).
• LEARN – We cultivate wisdom, curiosity and character.
  Scripture teaches that children’s learning is foundational for life (Proverbs 22:6); learning to listen, forgive, empathise and solve problems. Jesus’s story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) shapes how we love our neighbour in practical ways, whoever they may be. Courageous advocacy—seeking justice and fairness—is central (Isaiah 1:17).
• FUN – Joy, belonging and hope are signs of God’s life among us.
  Scripture affirms that there is “a time for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) and that finding enjoyment in our work and life is God’s gift (Ecclesiastes 3:13; 8:15). Laughter and celebration bear witness to God’s goodness (Psalm 126:2). We look to the heart, not outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7), building a community where every child is seen, safe and significant.

We also draw on the biblical picture of being nourished by living waters, sending our roots deep so that we can stand firm and bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:7-8; see also Psalm 1:3). Even the smallest acts of faith can grow to bless others - like the mustard seed that becomes a sheltering tree (Matthew 13:31–32).

In short: rooted in God’s love and inspired by Jesus, we help children grow in character, learn with wisdom, and thrive with fun, so they can make a hopeful difference in the world.

What Spirituality Looks Like in Daily School Life at St John’s

1) Growing in God and Character

• We celebrate the God-given uniqueness of every child - interests, talents and differences.
• Children are encouraged to develop their gifts through the curriculum and rich extra-curricular opportunities.
• When life is tough, we walk together. We support resilience and perseverance so children grow through both “wow” and “ow” moments (Psalm 139:8).
• We nurture a familial sense of belonging, where everyone is welcomed and supported - just as Jesus welcomed each person he met.

2) Learning with Wisdom, Curiosity and Compassion

• Our balanced, ambitious curriculum builds knowledge, skills and character.
• We teach the habits of outstanding citizenship: listening, empathy, forgiveness, courage, problem-solving and reflective thinking.
• Children explore the wonders of God’s world, ask deep questions and seek understanding (Proverbs 4:13).
• Inspired by the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), we practise kindness, service and fairness—locally and globally.

3) Thriving with Hope, Community and Fun

• Joy, play and celebration are part of our Christian distinctiveness - fun helps children flourish (Ecclesiastes 3:13; 8:15; Psalm 126:2).
• We value everyone, looking to the heart rather than outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7).
• We gather as a community - learning, eating, serving and celebrating together - echoing Jesus’s table-fellowship and the sharing spirit of the early Church (Acts 2:43-47).
• We learn from mistakes, receive and offer forgiveness, and keep going with high expectations and encouragement (Hebrews 12:1).

How We Nurture Spirituality at St John’s

Collective Worship

Daily worship draws on the Bible and the Christian year, linking clearly to our vision (Grow • Learn • Fun) and our Values for Life. We create time for stillness, prayer and song, and space to wonder, question and respond.

Windows, Mirrors and Doors (with ‘Wow’ & ‘Ow’ moments)

We regularly name ‘wow’ (joy, awe) and ‘ow’ (challenge, sorrow) moments, helping children notice God’s presence in both.

• Windows – looking out at the world with curiosity and awe.
• Mirrors – looking within: reflecting on feelings, choices and faith.
• Doors – stepping out to act: service, advocacy and courageous leadership.

Curriculum & Enrichment
Creativity is celebrated and nurtured across subjects and through clubs, trips and outdoor learning. Children are encouraged to see the world as bigger than themselves and to recognise their duty of care for people and planet.

Courageous Advocacy & Service
Pupils champion fairness and justice - raising awareness, taking action, and partnering with community groups. Even small acts can have big impact (Mustard Seed).

Belonging & Pastoral Care
As a Church school, we model Christian love in action—love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:39). We work closely with families so that every child is known by name and supported to be their best and that they all feel a sense of belonging.

Class Focus & Celebration
Each class focuses on a ‘Value for Life’ across the year, sharing activities and photos that show that value in action. Around school and on the playground, visual prompts (e.g., Windows, Mirrors & Doors, Grow • Learn • Fun) help children see and remember the story we are living together.

The images below shows St. Peter's church on a fresh winter morning and a summer day. You are invited to take a virtual tour of St. Peter's church CLICK HERE.