Our Vision

Together, we aim, believe and achieve

‘Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst’ 

John 4:14, NIV

At Cudham Church of England Primary School, we want the very best for the children in our care, so they flourish in our Christian community and realise their full potential.  

The water that Jesus offers us flows from the fountain of God and goes beyond physical need to fulfil spiritual needs. To drink from the water is to receive the gift of love and acceptance that Jesus gives, in order to find satisfaction and contentment in this amazing world. We aim to show similar love and acceptance to all our children; to provide the very best we can for both their physical and spiritual needs and nurture their development and love of learning every school day. We are a school family and value every member, helping each other to grow and flourish both in and out of the classroom.   

Inspired by one of our school’s founders the scientist Charles Darwin, who studied the water life in a pond which still exists on our school site, we encourage inquiry and exploration of the world around us.  We seek answers, we encourage children to observe and appreciate their natural environment, sharing our opinions; listening to and valuing every voice.   

Our six Christian virtues (Courage, Kindness, Respect, Joy, Friendship and Curiosity) help us to live out our vision and drink the life-giving water our school provides through faith and the example of Jesus Christ.

Our vision is rooted in Christian theology

John’s Gospel recalls Jesus talking with a Samaritan woman, where he refers to God’s ‘living water’ (John 4:10, NIV).  Jesus continues to say ‘but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life’ (John 4:14, NIV).  The concept of life-giving water resonates with the daily work of our school as we enable our children to learn and grow, and we provide for them a ‘spring of water’ which aims to nourish their life-long learning and development.  We are also blessed with a heritage which directly links our school with Charles Darwin’s Christian faith and scientific exploration including the investigation of a pond on our school site; an inspiration to inquiring minds and stewards of God’s creation.

Jesus spoke his words to a Samaritan woman he met at a well. She was surprised he spoke to her, as a Jew speaking to a Samaritan went against the cultural norms of the time.  Jesus, however, has a history of breaking barriers in his inclusivity. We teach our children to be the same, to accept and welcome all.  Jesus's willingness to share his living water, indeed his offering of it when it hadn't been asked for, demonstrates his love and kindness. We aim to follow Jesus's example and encourage our children to do the same.