St Benedict's C of E VA Junior School Vision and Ethos

"Life in all its Fullness." (John 10:10)

Our intention is that the community of St Benedict’s C of E VA Junior School nurture and educate the whole child. We encourage our pupils to hope and dream for a bright future and, within our Christian environment, we foster a sense of self-belief in our pupils, promoting positive mental health and well-being.  

At St Benedict’s C of E Junior School, our intention is to encourage every child to aspire to achieve their dreams and succeed. We wish for all our pupils to appreciate ‘Life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10), so we offer a broad and varied range of activities including visits to art galleries and historical monuments, outdoor activities, after school clubs and opportunities to try a broad range of sports.  We celebrate all participation and achievements; academic, sporting, creative and community.

Glastonbury is a vibrant and creative community and at St Benedict’s we pride ourselves in developing artistic talent. We are lucky to have both important historical monuments and a stunning natural environment on our doorstep to inspire us. We have a strong tradition in all areas of the arts including visual and performing arts. We strive to foster children’s ideas and imaginations as well as their academic talents. We promote strong community links and have a wide range of visitors including community leaders, monks, authors, poets, police officers, sporting figures and even documentary producers!

Our broad, skills-based curriculum reflects the above, with its stress on personal development and preparing each and every pupil for the next stage of their education and life.  Our intention is that learning is experience-based and meaningful and that our children develop the skills, knowledge and character to contribute to the local and wider community.

Key points from the latest Inspection of Anglican Schools report (November 2016) are:-

“Warm relationships and extending hospitality are hallmarks of the school.”

“The School has considered carefully what it means to be a church school in a diverse community and works sensitively with families from all faiths and none. The Christian belief that all are equal in the sight of God underpins this approach and children speak eloquently and with commitment of this being a school where all are welcome. They are able to express their thoughts around spirituality clearly and confidently. There is a particularly strong emphasis on creative and social development and children’s all round growth is celebrated and promoted.”

“Children are able to explain clearly how values affect their approach to learning and as a consequence are more equipped to overcome obstacles to achievement.”