Since 1872, the school has stood at the centre of the village, working in conjunction with the Church to serve the local community and educate generations of families and children. Our Christian Values are at the heart of everything we do in order to promote life in all its fullness and deliver a holistic education. This allows each unique child to develop into the best possible version of themselves. By acquiring the key knowledge and skills to foster academic excellence, coupled with the essential wisdom and character development to promote individual excellence; our children become happy, healthy, confident, responsible individuals who flourish in all aspects of their lives.
We have embraced the Bible story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10v25-37) to illustrate our Christian Vision and Values in action. Through the expansive opportunities offered, we strive for everyone in our school to ‘love our neighbour as we love ourselves.’ By living out our values in our daily lives, becoming responsible citizens and demonstrating self-love, positive mental health and wellbeing, it allows us to foster and nurture personal growth. Our school emblem is taken from the screen at the front of the choir stalls in Cawthorne All Saints’ Church and depicts a ladder. This combines with our school motto ‘With you every step of the way’ as a gentle reminder that Good Samaritans are all around. We challenge our children to question: ‘Who is with you every step of the way?’
Prayer Of The Day
The Biblical Underpinning Of Our Shared Christian Vision
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Luke 10v25-37
At Cawthorne, we have embraced the Bible story of the Good Samaritan because it illustrates our Christian Vision and Values in action. By studying and learning about this parable, we develop an in depth knowledge and understanding of how to live our lives so that we flourish in modern society.
Unconditional Love
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love Your Neighbour
The past three years have been incredibly tough on our community but what has managed to help us through is our inclusive, Christian ethos, which is founded on a genuine, unconditional love for one another. There is a real sense of togetherness and cohesion at our school. We see ourselves as one big family who are connected with each other every step of the way.
Just like God’s love for us all, the love for our neighbours spreads far and wide into the local, national and global communities. By understanding our surroundings and the issues in our world, we demonstrate that we are responsible and active citizens whose actions of love make a positive difference. Like the Good Samaritan, we strive for our community to have a deep desire to stand up to injustice, behave with integrity, challenge confidently to become courageous advocates who shine bright for the world to see.
Love Yourself
In order to share our love with our neighbours, we must be able to love ourselves. Self love – positive mental wellbeing and a grow mindset are incredibly important if we are to reach our full potential. Through high levels of self efficacy, good self-control and coping skills, we are able to nurture positive wellbeing and mental and physical health. A firm foundation, rooted in self-belief, confidence, resilience and the ability to challenge bravely, is fundamental for us to become happy, healthy, confident, responsible individuals who flourish in all aspects of our lives.
A Lifelong Journey
33 But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.’ Luke 10 v33-34
Just like the Good Samaritan, who undertook a journey which would change the fortunes of the attacked man, we too are on a transformational journey. This journey starts the moment we step into our school and as we make our way along, our journeys are individual yet intertwined. Journeys of learning; journeys of development; journeys of personal growth.
Along our journeys, we build on firm foundations with small, progressive steps. These allow everyone to develop the required key knowledge, skills and vocabulary. Throughout, we harness a desire to question, to explore and to challenge in order to nurture a strong love of learning. This positive mindset is fundamental for everyone to become a lifelong learner and reach their full potential in life.
‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?
The expert in law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him to go and do likewise.’ Luke 10 36-37
From the outset, we know that these are not going to be easy journeys. There will be many challenges along the way that we will have to face and overcome in order to achieve positive outcomes and our goals. What is important for us to remember is that, just like the Good Samaritan, we are with each other every step of the way to support, help and encourage each other so that we are all successful.
Once you have embarked on a journey at Cawthorne, you are touched by something special. Everyone transitions into new stages of life and our journeys head in separate directions. However, members of our community, past and present, are intrinsically linked and continue to return to school. The affiliation with Cawthorne lasts a lifetime.
Individual Excellence, Wisdom And Personal Growth
16 ‘How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!’ Proverbs 16
‘Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.’ Mark 4 30-32
Our Christian Vision and Values are at the heart of everything we do in order to promote life in all its fullness and deliver a holistic education. We know that our children enter school at different stages, with varied life experiences, knowledge and skills. It is our duty, as a school, to provide the right conditions, learning experiences and support in order to nurture and grow each unique individual. By acquiring the key knowledge and skills to foster academic excellence, coupled with the essential wisdom and character development to promote personal growth and individual excellence, each child matures into their best possible version.
11 My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. Job 23:11
Personal growth is fostered throughout our time at Cawthorne so that we are all able to demonstrate high levels of self-efficacy, self-belief, self-confidence, perseverance and resilience when facing challenges. It is only when we stretch ourselves that we truly achieve great things.
This has never been more important as we navigate our way out of the pandemic and back into a more open and unrestricted way of living. The uncertainties of previous years have left their mark however, what have remained steadfast are the footprints from the past that guide our path in the present and into the future. It is imperative that we remain focused and resolute when striving towards achieving the highest standards once again.