“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10
At Dodworth St John the Baptist, our Christian foundation shapes who we are, how we learn and the way we treat one another.
Our vision grew from listening to pupils, staff and families about who we are as a school, what our community needs and what we want for every child.
Belong.Believe.Become. expresses our commitment to ensuring that every member of our school community is known and valued, develops confidence and hope, and is supported to grow into the person they are called and capable of being.
We are proud to be a Church of England school, welcoming children and families of all faiths and none.
Our Theological Foundation
Our vision is rooted in John 10, where Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd.
The Good Shepherd knows his sheep, calls them by name, brings them together and leads them towards fullness of life. This gives meaning to each part of our vision:
- we belong because we are known, loved and valued;
- we believe because Christian faith offers trust, hope and purpose; and
- we become as our knowledge, character and gifts develop through the fullness of life Jesus promises.
Belonging comes first. Every person has a place within our school community and is treated with dignity and respect.
Every child and adult should feel known, valued and included.
We build a warm and welcoming community in which people care for one another, celebrate difference and recognise that everyone has something worthwhile to contribute.
To belong at Dodworth means knowing that you are part of our school family and that others will stand alongside you through challenges and successes.
In our Church school, belief begins with the Christian faith and the hope revealed through Jesus.
It also means believing in ourselves, believing in one another and believing in what can be achieved. We nurture confidence and aspiration so that children approach new experiences with courage and recognise their own worth and potential.
We encourage thoughtful exploration of faith and respect the beliefs and worldviews of others.
Education helps us to discover more about the world, other people and ourselves.
We help children develop their knowledge, character and individual gifts so that they can become the people they are called and capable of being. We want them to leave Dodworth prepared for their next steps and ready to make a positive contribution to their communities and the wider world.
Our Values in Action
Our vision is made visible through the choices we make and the way we behave. We seek to:
- be kind, honest, warm and welcoming;
- treat every person with dignity and respect;
- approach learning with curiosity, resilience and ambition;
- work together and take responsibility for our community;
- support one another through difficulties and celebrate success; and
- use our knowledge, character and gifts to serve others.
Living Out Our Christian Vision
Our Christian vision is not limited to collective worship or religious education. It influences every part of school life, including:
- the curriculum we provide and the expectations we hold;
- our relationships, behaviour and care for one another;
- collective worship, prayer and opportunities for spiritual development;
- the support offered to children and families;
- the decisions made by leaders and governors; and
- the ways pupils serve others and contribute to their community.
Through these shared experiences, children encounter the Christian values of love, hope, forgiveness, compassion, service and justice.
Our Name and Christian Heritage
Our school bears the name of St John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus and pointed others towards him.
His courage, honesty and commitment to his calling remain an important part of our Christian heritage. His example encourages us to recognise our purpose, use our voices wisely and help others on their journey.
Together, we seek to create a community in which everyone can belong, believe and become.
