Christian Distinctiveness
"Be the Light"
Wisbech St Mary Church of England Academy is a Voluntary-Aided primary school within the Diocese of Ely and part of the Grace Schools. We work hard to develop and sustain our school's Christian distinctiveness. Our headteacher and governing body have a clear vision of a school with a distinctive Christian character.
As a Church of England Voluntary Aided School, we offer an education that is distinctively Christian. Although each church school is unique, all Church schools share core values based on the Gospel. Our school is a place where loving God and loving our neighbours is lived out in daily school life. Our core values of Compassion, Respect, Responsibility, and Perseverance are closely linked to and underpinned by Christian values. Time is spent exploring what is distinctively Christian about these values, while many others—such as friendship, trust, resilience, gratitude, and perseverance—are taught throughout the school day. We strive to build excellent relationships, making our school a happy place to work and learn.
The messages of love and the lessons Jesus taught are celebrated and put into action at our school. Our mission statement is "Be the Light" (Matthew 5:14), just as Jesus is the light for so many, and our Golden Rule is "Treat others as you wish to be treated." (Luke 6:31).
We choose Be the Light as our vision because we want to demonstrate the love of Jesus in our world through our Christian values. Jesus told us in Matthew 5:14–16:
"You are the light of the world... let your light shine before all, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Jesus is the true light that shines from within us (John 8:12). We want all members of our school community to thrive and Be the Light in our world, so they make a positive difference today and in the future.
Jesus is the true light that shines from within us (John 8:12). We want all members of our school community to thrive and Be the Light in our world, so they make a positive difference today and in the future.
We want to Be the Light for others in times of darkness by offering hope, encouragement, kindness, and compassion. We want to see the good and the beautiful in others.
Being the Light can be as simple as sharing a smile. Think of your favourite smile and how it makes you feel. Consider the ways people have helped your heart glow brighter through kind words, encouragement, joyful moments, or simply by being there. In deeper relationships, it is shown through love, care, and genuine human connection.
Sometimes to Be the Light means carrying the torch for what needs to be completed or renewed. It may mean giving yourself in a new way to a situation, a cause, or a relationship. At other times, it may simply mean being still and allowing silence until the right moment comes.
To Be the Light is to foster peace and share joy with others. It also means protecting your own flame so that your light continues to shine and inspire those around you.
The Church of England's Vision for Education (2016) is deeply Christian, with Jesus' promise of "life in all its fullness" at its heart. In line with the Church of England's role as the established Church, this vision seeks the common good of the whole community.
- Educating for Wisdom, Knowledge and Skills – Enabling discipline, confidence, delight in seeking wisdom and knowledge, and developing talents in every area of life.
- Educating for Hope and Aspiration – Enabling healing, renewal, resilience, and guiding people towards fulfilling their potential.
- Educating for Community and Living Well Together – Focusing on relationships, participation, and developing the character needed for communities to flourish.
- Educating for Dignity and Respect – Recognising the value and uniqueness of every individual and treating each person with respect and compassion.
