I have come that you may have life, and live it in all its fullness.
John 10, 10
Dr South’s CE Primary School was founded in 1710 by Robert South (canon of Westminster Abbey and rector of Islip) to take 21 poor children of the parish and fit them for ordinary trade. Dr South’s vision was achieved and, although adapted and updated, remains current.
Inspired by the teachings of Jesus and the example of Dr South, we aim to nurture, educate and inspire our pupils. Nurture encourages care for others; education develops a love of learning. Pupils are inspired to be responsible citizens of the modern world, and to lead life in all its fullness.
Our school takes Christian teaching as an example of how to live well and love others. Every member of staff shares our vision of working to ensure that children feel special and become the people Christ calls them to be.
At the heart of our school are the key skills which are needed in adult life. These include high levels of skill in mathematics, reading, writing, computing and science alongside transferrable skills such as cooperation, resilience and a love of learning.
Alongside that, pupils have frequent opportunities to discover their aptitudes and interests. Our pupils find and follow their interests beyond the classroom, into further study at home or in clubs and organisations that provide specialist teaching. In addition to the trips, musical concerts, dramatic productions and residential experiences offered by many schools, we significantly enrich our curriculum with practical skills such as cookery, art, and learning about the natural environment. These are taught outdoors at our Forest School, in our classroom in The Jacobs’ Field, and in the purpose-built Lin Cooper Practical Skills Building.
Dr South founded the village school over 300 years ago. We continue his work to help children to become responsible citizens in our modern world.
Nurture, educate, inspire
School Ethos Statement as recorded in our original Instrument of Governance:
Recognising its historic foundation, Dr South’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the church at parish and diocesan level.
The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its pupils.