Our Vision:
Our curriculum is framed by shared Catholic values, high expectations and the highest ambition for all our pupils.
All children are taught to shine. They know how to shine. They show how they shine each day.
At St Hedda’s we are proud to offer a dynamic, inclusive and nurturing learning environment, an education which inspires academic excellence and confidence for life. Our approach, to the quality of education we provide, ensures all children reach their full potential.
We work in partnership with Fr Guiver and the parish of St Hedda’s and Fr Sellers and the parish of St Hilda’s. We also work with other schools in the Diocese of Middlesbrough, especially those within Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy trust; St Benedict’s and St Joseph’s.
Our governors represent Bishop Drainey and support us in ensuring our faith and Catholic ethos is lived out.
Mission:
Our children know that like St Hedda, they too are special; they are chosen; they are loved. They follow Jesus in the path of St Hedda by letting the light of Christ shine within them; Sharing the light of Christ with others and following God’s ways.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
Values:
“The Lord gives each of us a vocation, a challenge to discover the talents and abilities we possess and to put them at the service of others’ Pope Francis
Our values are
Gospel based and give thanks for the beauty of God’s world and our unique setting in the ESK Valley.
In St Hedda’s we are showing we can:
Embrace – put our arms around our world and take care of God’s creation through showing love and gentleness
Service – give service to God and show goodness and faithfulness as St Hedda did
Kindness – show kindness to others, those we know and those we don’t and bring peace in our world
‘The mountains, valleys , rivers and seas are telling the story of your love for me, praise be to you’ Laudato Si’
The Catholic Ethos
An ethos is a way of living, behaving and doing things by people, though diverse, following common values – united by a shared vision of life. Our ethos is driven by our mission to bring Goodness, Love and Peace to the world in all that we do.
Religious Education is the core subject at St. Hedda’s Primary School and is timetabled weekly and 10% of teaching time is dedicated to R.E. As a Catholic School, Christianity forms the major study in Religious Education lessons but other World faiths are also taught across the year. We follow the “Come and See” Syllabus for RE, however, faith and spirituality is explored throughout the curriculum.
It is important to note that the ethos permeates all aspects of school life. The curriculum as a whole, and every part of it, is religious, since there is nothing which does not ultimately relate to God.
We also have a duty to foster an accurate and increasing understanding of religions and world views. As a result, pupils will gain greater insight into the world in which they are growing up. They will also be able to appreciate the faith of others and develop a deeper understanding of their own beliefs and practices. These outcomes contribute to harmonious relationships within and between communities, promoting social inclusion and overcoming prejudice.
Each classroom has a prayer space or ‘Sacred Space’ to enable children to explore faith and spirituality in a safe, creative and interactive way. Prayer is an integral part of the school day where all children are invited to participate in their own personal way. When possible, parents and carers are invited to join the children in prayer and acts of worship. “Stay and Pray” Children also join Mass in the parish of St Hilda’s and St Hedda’s and Sleights.
Children receive ‘shine’ points as a focus of how they can shine each day in school.
