At Potterhanworth, we strive to be a caring school family where everyone belongs.

We inspire joyful learning and high aspirations so that all can thrive.

We aim to open our hearts and minds so that each person can make a positive difference in our local community and beyond.

Together, we grow into happy, responsible and spiritually aware citizens for our changing world.

“Rooted in God’s love, we learn, grow and flourish.” (Ephesians 3:17–19)

Theological Underpinning:

The term “Rooted in God’s
love, we learn, grow and flourish” paraphrases Ephesians 3:17b-19. In this passage, the Apostle Paul prays that believers would have their lives
firmly grounded in the love of Christ. The image of being rooted suggests depth, stability, and nourishment. Just as a tree needs strong roots in good
soil to grow, children and adults need a secure foundation of love to thrive; for our school, it means that our little acorns will grow into mighty oaks with the
right nurture.

For Christians, love is not just a feeling. It is the character and presence of God. God’s love is the source of our identity and our value. In Ephesians, the Greek word ἀγάπη (agape) is used. It means unconditional and selfless love, which Christians are called to live out; it is about being kind and putting others first—just like Jesus did; it is about love as an action that shows care, respect and guidance – just like the role of the teacher.

When we understand that we are loved fully by God and by those around us in our school, and when we understand that we belong, we develop confidence, compassion and resilience. 

This love shapes how we treat others and how we interact with the world around us. It invites us to show kindness, empathy, forgiveness, patience, and joy. We understand that it is our duty to create a community of generous self-giving care, in which the disturbed are comforted and the comfortable disturbed.

To flourish means growing in character, well-being, relationships, learning, creativity and our sense of purpose in God’s world. It means becoming the people we have the potential to be.

So, in our school:

We root ourselves in love by shaping every relationship with trust, respect and kindness.

We grow together when each person is valued and encouraged to use their gifts.

We flourish within our school community – and as part of wider communities – by being responsible citizens and by showing, and acting on, empathy towards others.

Our vision expresses our belief that love is the foundation of growth, both spiritually and personally. When we know we are loved, we can grow with confidence and joy, and it empowers us to show that same love to others and to the world around us.

Values

Our roots:

Respect – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Matthew 7:12

Kindness – “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians
3:12

Trust – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Our growth:

Commitment to Achieve – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart” Colossians 3:23

Friendship – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Courage – “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.” Isaiah 41:10

Our fruits:

Community – “The gifts of each are more fully expressed when they are nurtured together than alone.” ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ by Robin Wall
Kimmerer.

Responsibility – “Start a child off the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Empathy – “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4