Being a Church School
Jesus is Immanuel – God with us
“Immanuel and St Andrew Church of England School, established upon Christian foundations, and living out the Christian faith, is committed to
“Excellence for all – Excellence from all.”
“The care within the school is commended by parents, nurtured by staff and seen as the norm by pupils. It is only when pupils visit other settings that they are surprised the values Immanuel and St Andrew strive for, such as reconciliation and forgiveness, are not always shown by others. “
SIAMS, December 2019
Immanuel and St Andrew is a flourishing, forward thinking and outstanding Church school where the leadership and management are a driving force behind the school community, embracing and celebrating being a faith school and fulfilling our Vision which underpins all that we do.
The leadership and management are strategic in fulfilling of the school’s Vision and in so doing, shape the direction of the school community for the future. As a school we believe in educating the whole child and teaching children to be good citizens which firmly is underpinned by the Gospel values.
“Intelligent, informed dialogue is the way of all adults in Immanuel, led by the self-assured headteacher and a leadership team formed in the last two years. A collaborative approach to decision making is sought and leads to policies, practices and plans flowing from relationship rather than function.”
SIAMS, December 2019
The importance of the RE Curriculum and Collective Worship
“Collective worship is a joy to be part of. Passionate song, respectful reflection, Bible reading, calm attentiveness and a celebration of others are present. An invitational culture has been created and as such, worship continues into the classroom, often led by pupils in the reflection areas and translates to the local church setting during pupil visits.”
SIAMS, December 2019
As a Church of England school, our vision clearly shows that we want all children to reach their God-given potential in a nurturing Christian environment. At Immanuel we want all children to flourish and our RE curriculum and Collective Worship is at the heart of what we do. We believe our RE teaching is theologically challenging and Collective Worship supports children in their spiritual development. RE, theological literacy, spirituality and collective worship are at the heart of all we do.
The importance of Spirituality and Prayer at Immanuel
Through creating a secure and nurturing Christian environment, we provide every pupil with the opportunity to reach their full, God-given potential. As a Church of England primary school, we are made in God’s image and know that by partnering with the Church, home and the local community, that our pupils will flourish not just academically, but spiritually.
Spirituality and the faith that our pupils, staff and parents have been all equally valued and widely celebrated across the school.
Prayer is an important part of our daily lives at Immanuel. We believe we can talk to God at any time – during our prayer times in class, during formal collective acts of worship but also as part of private, quiet reflection. Times are built into the school day to pray, for example before lunch and at the end of the day. We also have moments of quiet reflection where we pause and are quiet and still. We also encourage children to use free prayer; children use 'PATS' as a reminder that prayer can help them PRAISE - ASK - THANK - SAY SORRY.
Our Worship Leaders lead prayers in class together with teachers. They also keep an eye on our class reflection areas and prayer stations around the school. We are planning on developing Spiritual Wellbeing Days throughout the year when everyone (children, staff, parents, governors) can spend time in our prayer spaces. Our Prayer Stations are linked to the Christian calendar or our current value of the month.
We have a school prayer book that is sent home every year and kept in classrooms. We encourage children to add to the prayer corners regularly.
Parish Church
We have strong links with Immanuel and St Andrew Parish Church and Holy Redeemer, Streatham. Reverend Sarah Simpson regularly visits the school and welcomes the school to the church. We hold our Christmas, Easter and the Leavers Service in the church. The church is also used regularly as a resource for the curriculum.
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