We are rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17)
The name ‘Forest of Galtres’, after we replaced three older Victorian schools in Shipton, Newton and Tollerton, led to our vision using words from the Bible in the Letter to the Ephesians of "being rooted and grounded in love". The image suggests, growing and learning, being drawn together and being fed and nourished. Alongside this, Heartwood Learning Trust, of which we are a part, represents the resilient, inner core of the tree trunk and increases the overall strength of the tree. Our vision seeks to encapsulate all aspects of our life together as a school community, our responsibilities in the world beyond, and shares the Trust vision of "life in all its fullness" (John 10:10).
The affirmation throughout the Gospels and letters in the New Testament is that "God is love" (John 4:8). Jesus summarised the commandments as "love the Lord your God... and your neighbour as yourself." He also taught "love one another as I have loved you". Both the Anglican and Methodist traditions have an emphasis on the love of God being "for all", for every individual is deeply precious in God's sight. Our school deeply treasures the importance of inclusivity. It follows also that the school fully respects and welcomes those who are part of the school community who may have other faith, beliefs or cultures.
Through his Spirit, God comes to help us.
‘Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can’.
(Attributed to John Wesley)
Our Five Commitments
Care
- Our nurturing school is welcoming, inclusive and has children at its heart.
- Our environment excites, and stimulates learning, fosters personal growth and responds to the needs of individual children.
- We provide a sense of belonging for all children where they feel loved and cared for.
Courage
- Within School, pupils are actively encouraged to make courageous choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
- As a School, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education.
- Celebrating children’s successes and achievements is at the heart of everything we do.
Creativity
- We prepare our children for their future by providing a rich and broad education which has unique experiences.
- Excellent teaching, alongside high expectations, provides our children with meaningful, progressive learning which inspires and raises aspirations.
- We provide broad and inspiring extra-curricular activities which children have the freedom to choose from based on their interests and skills.
Collaboration
- All collaboration is rooted in the love God has for all.
- All stakeholders work collaboratively to grow together, serve one another and support children to flourish.
- We work collaboratively with an ethos of inclusivity and tolerance where all views, faith, cultures and races are valued. We enhance pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.
Christian Faith
- Our Anglican and Methodist Christian traditions which founded our wonderful school support the spiritual development of the whole community.
- The Christian year guides our celebrations, worships and RE. We explore the key Christian concepts of hope, forgiveness, love and respect.
- We actively engage with our local churches whom support our community in the reflection of our own beliefs, religious or otherwise.
Our Trust Vision
We are part of a wider family of church and community schools and together our school vision aligns to the wider Trust vision;
‘Life in all its fullness’. A place to Thrive. (John 10:10)