How Pupils and Adults Flourish at Malden Parochial

Pupils Flourish Academically

We have a purposeful curriculum where lessons are designed to connect knowledge to meaning, pupils are invited to see the world through a lens of curiosity and compassion. Teachers understand how children learn and design lessons to ensure knowledge is gained and built upon year on year. We ensure teaching is inclusive and adapted so children’s needs are met. We foster joyful learning environments and ensure there are opportunities for movement, storytelling, and hands-on exploration. Our results are higher than those nationally and in Kingston and our pupils leave our school to attend many selective private schools and grammar schools.

 

Pupils Flourish through Extra-Curricular Activities

We have a number of clubs that children can attend which foster a sense of joy and belonging including, choir, art, football, chess, multisports, street dance, country dancing, science and our forest school.

Our church of England primary school is a unique environment, rooted in our Christian values of Love, Wisdom, Joy and a commitment to nurturing the whole child. Our vision, "Reflecting the Kingdom of God by enriching and transforming lives," encapsulates our ambition: to create a community where every individual, both adult and pupil, not only grows but truly flourishes. This vision is a living principle that guides our approach to mental well-being, professional growth, and fostering a deep sense of belonging for everyone.

 

At the heart of our flourishing school is our Chrisitan vision of Reflecting the Kingdom of God by Enriching and Transforming Lives, so we create an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and equipped to manage their emotions thereby transforming their personal journeys.

 

Pupils Flourish Emotionally

When teaching we Integrate lessons on feelings, empathy, and healthy coping strategies. This involves dedicated PSHE lessons, storytelling, and open discussions, helping pupils understand themselves and others as valued members of God's Kingdom.

We introduce age-appropriate mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and quiet reflection time to help children self-regulate and reduce anxiety, promoting inner peace. Pupils know they can talk to adults in school, including, teachers, teaching assistants, or our designated mental health lead and adults from the Mental Health Support Team (MHST).

We encourage strong Peer Relationships through our buddying system and these positive social interactions contribute to collaborative learning, and activities that build self-esteem and a sense of belonging in the wider school community, mirroring the interconnectedness of the Kingdom of God.

 

Adults Flourish

Dedicated Well-being Initiatives: We buy into strategies specifically for staff, such as access to counselling services and we promote healthy work-life balance, recognising that staff are integral to enriching lives.

Open Communication and Support: We foster a culture where staff feel comfortable and are able to discuss pressures, seeking support from colleagues or leadership, and knowing that their well-being is a priority. This open dialogue reflects the transparency and trust we aspire to.

Manageable Workloads: We review workload distribution, administrative tasks, and meeting schedules to ensure they are sustainable and do not lead to burnout, enabling staff to give their best.

Recognising and Celebrating Efforts: We acknowledge the hard work and dedication of staff, who juggle lives outside of school and we celebrate successes, and express gratitude which fosters a positive and appreciative atmosphere, mirroring the grace found within the Kingdom of God

Investing in Growth: Leadership is fully in support of training and development opportunities as we understand that for adults to flourish a commitment needs to be made to continuous growth and learning, leading to a constant process of enrichment and transformation and so reflecting the Kingdom of God. Providing robust training and development opportunities for staff is crucial, and this naturally has a positive effect on pupils, helping them to have enriched and transformed lives and to be equipped to enrich and transform the lives of others.

 

High-Quality Professional Development: By offering ongoing training in pedagogy, curriculum development, and specific areas such as supporting SEND pupils or integrating technology effectively, ensures staff feel confident and competent in their roles, equipping them to transform learning experiences.

Mental Health First Aid Training: We have equipped a significant number of staff with Mental Health First Aid qualifications which means they can recognise early signs of mental health issues in both pupils and colleagues, and provide initial support, embodying compassionate care.

Leadership Development Programs: We identify and nurture future leaders within the school, providing them with opportunities to develop their management, strategic, and pastoral skills, preparing them to guide and inspire others.

Mentoring and Coaching: We have established formal or informal mentoring opportunities where experienced staff guide and support newer colleagues, staff receive coaching to develop specific skills or address challenges, fostering a culture of shared wisdom.

Faith-Based Development: We ensure opportunities to have a deeper understanding of the Church of England distinctiveness through the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education, and how these can be authentically woven into the school's daily life and curriculum.

 

Connecting Training to Pupil Flourishing

Adults feel well-supported in their professional development,  they are better equipped to inspire, challenge, and care for their pupils. As our teachers understand diverse learning needs they directly contribute to children’s ability to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally, ultimately enriching and transforming their young lives.

Our Commitment to Adults and Pupils Flourishing

Our Church of England Primary School provides a unique foundation for flourishing, directly reflecting our vision of the Kingdom of God. Our Christian values of love, wisdom, peace and joy are explicitly taught and modelled, providing a moral compass for both adults and pupils, guiding them towards a life of purpose.  Opportunities for reflection, prayer, worship, and exploring big questions about life, faith, and meaning encourage spiritual growth in an inclusive way. We serve as a central hub for the local community, fostering strong relationships between families, the church, and the wider area. This sense of belonging, like a family within the Kingdom, is vital for well-being.

Pastoral Care: We have a deep commitment to pastoral care, seeing each individual as uniquely created by God and valued, this underpins all interactions and support systems within the school, embodying the unconditional love of God.

 

 

Adult Volunteers Flourish

We value the role that volunteers play in our school as they offer a great deal of help, for example the renovation of our library. It is also a way for parents and carers to model service and build meaningful relationships with staff, pupils, and one another. Parents who assist with reading, art, or special projects bring warmth and encouragement into learning spaces. Their presence affirms that every child is surrounded by a wider circle of care, alongside helping with forest school, gardening, or educational visits allows parents to share their skills and deepen their connection to the school community which enhances the lives of others.

Volunteers flourish as they witness growth firsthand, build friendships, and experience the joy of giving to our school community which values their contribution.

 

Flourishing Through the PTA

The PTA is a space where parents can shape the school’s journey, share ideas, and co-create experiences that enrich the lives of pupils. Everyone. Through fundraising by organising events like fairs, discos, or sponsored challenges allows parents to use their talents for a shared purpose—bringing joy while raising much needed funds which will enrich and transform the lives of the school community. 

 

Flourishing as Governors

Serving as a governor is a calling to steward the school’s vision with integrity and care. It’s a way to reflect peace through thoughtful leadership and long-term planning. Governors help ensure that the school’s Christian vision remains central, guiding decisions that reflect the Kingdom of God.  By reviewing policies, safeguarding, and curriculum outcomes, governors help create a safe, purposeful environment for all. Parent governors bring lived experience into strategic conversations, ensuring diverse voices are heard and respected. Governors flourish as they grow in wisdom, influence, and spiritual leadership—serving not just their child, but the whole school family.

 

Flourishing Through our Connection with the Parish

The parish offers a bridge between school and wider faith community—a place where parents can deepen their spiritual journey and contribute to shared worship and outreach.  The parish can offer spiritual care, prayer groups, and family support—nurturing peace and resilience in times of challenge. Collaborating on food banks, charity drives, fairs are intergenerational initiatives allowing pupils and adults to thrive. There would be no school if it were not for the parish church and pupils are well aware that it is down tot the wisdom of a previous incumbent, Reverend Wlliam Chetwynd Stapleton, that Malden Parochial exists.