Ethos
The ethos is best seen in our four aims for an Old Vicarage School Leaver. We believe these aims to be essential to achieve happiness, contentment and fulfilment in later life. It is hoped that a child leaving our school will be:
• Well educated with a love of learning, ready to engage with a wider world.
• Happy, friendly and self-confident with a good sense of humour.
• Generous in spirit, proud of their talents and can celebrate the talents of others.
• Wanting to develop a place in society, having a desire to contribute to the common good.
We aim to ensure that each child's first crucial steps in the world of education are compelling and exciting enough to draw
them into the magical world of learning so that it becomes a joyous and integral part of their daily existence - for life.
We believe we have a duty to unlock the potential in every child to achieve their best in every aspect of their lives with us, be it academically, socially, physically and spiritually.
The school bases its ethos on the Christian values of respect and fair treatment of others. The Old Vicarage School welcomes children from all faith traditions and Christian denominations who share in these values.
The Formation Syllabus, encorporating aspects of Religious Education has an emphasis on Christianity but other world religions are explored. Assemblies are based on a particular, encouraging theme and incorporate a hymn and prayer as part of the school’s communal worship. We have strong links with the local Church of England parish of St Matthew’s, Darley Abbey. We enjoy regular visits from the local Vicar and the children have regular informal visits to St Matthew’s. We celebrate our annual Prize Giving, Christmas and Easter services at this beautiful church.