Our Ethos and Aims

Mission Statement

Ad finem fidelis
Faithful to the end
We share and care and forgive
For that is how Christ teaches us to live

At Saint Christina’s we’re a part of God’s family,
Where we live and learn and play in harmony.
Everybody here strives to follow Christ’s way,
In all that they think and do and say.

At Saint Christina’s we’re a part of God’s family,
We respect diversity and individuality.
We seek to excel in all that we do,
Grow in God’s love and embrace Christ’s teaching, too!

At Saint Christina’s we pray and grow together,
Treating everybody like a sister or a brother.
We learn tolerance and co-operation,
Embracing people from every nation.

Our Statement of Purpose and Aims

‘We share and care and forgive for that is how Christ teaches us to live’

At Saint Christina’s School, children enjoy the excitement of becoming independent learners, feel safe and happy.
We are committed to the pursuit of excellence in all areas, always recognising the individual needs of each pupil and supporting their full development spiritually, morally, intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially so that they may grow towards the fullness of life promised by Christ.
Each day brings exciting new opportunities to learn and discover at Saint Christina’s School. A warmth and regard for children in our care permeates all aspects of School life.

‘I come that they may have life and have it to the full’ John 10:10

Aims

In accordance with the Catholic ethos of our School, we aim:

To offer all who come into contact with Saint Christina’s School a welcoming environment which finds its inspiration in Christ and His Gospel whilst recognising and respecting the freedom of individuals to worship God according to the practices of their own religion.
To be a School where children enjoy the excitement of becoming independent learners, feel safe and happy and where discrimination of any kind is unacceptable.
To encourage and support the spiritual, physical, personal, social, moral and intellectual development of every child by providing a wide and rich range of educational and cultural experiences.
To recognise each child’s unique value and gifts, ensuring that children feel appreciated for themselves not just their achievements.
To instil in pupils a sense of personal responsibility and self-discipline encouraging them to always try their best.
To encourage pupils to recognise that their behaviour has consequences for themselves, their peers and ultimately society.
To teach pupils to respect and care for other people in the immediate environment (home and School) and the wider world, thus fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect between staff and pupils.
To establish close links between home and School keeping parents informed about their child’s progress, School policies and activities.
To regularly assess and monitor the progress of each pupil, ensuring that the education provided is appropriate to his/her age and ability thus enabling each child to develop and use their talents and abilities to the full.

Our Ethos

At Saint Christina’s, we are a supportive, caring community where we prioritise looking out for one another and respecting our environment. Guided by our Golden Thread, we encourage qualities like resilience, perseverance, kindness, and respect, and these are the things we seek in our daily lives at school.

Our ethos shapes who we are and who we aim to be. We encourage children to think beyond themselves, consider those who are less fortunate, and engage with challenges that promote respect for every individual. Ultimately, we aim to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can express themselves, build confidence, and develop self-awareness, strength of character, and a sense of fairness in a world that often isn’t.

The Handmaids and the Ignatian Tradition

Saint Christina’s School was founded in 1949 by the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Ignatian tradition which places great value on learning in its purest sense, alongside the development of the skills of listening, reflection, self-knowledge and independence. The Handmaid’s believe that a child’s education should be a transformational experience, intellectually, emotionally and in terms of character, values and a sense of place in the world: the ‘pedagogy of the heart’.

At Saint Christina’s therefore you will find:

1. A school in which learning is highly prized.

We take an ambitious approach to education, emphasising intellectual rigour, curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning. Each child's progress is carefully monitored to ensure they reach their full potential. Our pupils consistently demonstrate a positive attitude to their learning and secure places in some of the most competitive secondary schools at 11+.

2. A school that places great importance on pastoral care.

We are committed to ‘growing children’ in every sense, creating an environment where they feel safe, happy, and supported. Our Wellbeing Hub plays a central role, offering dedicated space for mental and physical wellbeing. Pupils are encouraged to openly express concerns and build confidence in their ability to cope with challenges. Support is provided through breakout groups, learning support, and emotional wellbeing sessions, including time with the ‘pat’ dog for comfort and conversation. The strong, trusting relationships pupils have with their teachers, alongside these additional support structures, ensure every child thrives.

3. A school that places importance on the formation of character

We encourage the development of confidence, resilience, and compassion. Our goal is for pupils to leave Saint Christina’s as individuals who are kind, fair, and eager to contribute positively to any community. We encourage them to engage in thoughtful discussions, adapt ideas based on consideration, and make a meaningful difference in whatever path they choose.

Saint Christina’s School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils, and we expect our staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment. We aim to ensure that all pupils reach their full potential.