Reflecting the Kingdom of God by Enriching and Transforming Lives

Value	So we….	Because it says in the New Testament
Love	Use kind words and do acts of kindness Respect each other Apologise when we need to Are a Rights Respecting School	Love your neighbour as yourself  Matthew 22 34-40
Wisdom	Keep safe and share our worries Work hard in lessons & read Listen, make wise choices, use time well and learn from our mistakes Protect our environment	If you lack wisdom…ask God, who gives generously  James 1:5
Joy	Celebrate achievements Smile at one another Open doors, use people’s names Have fun and are positive	Joy is a gift of the holy spirit Galatians 5:22
Peace	Challenge injustice and inequality  Walk peacefully around school Think before we speak Use kind hands	Aim at those things that bring peace.   Romans 14:19

 

Our theologically underpinned vision

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently discusses the Kingdom of God. This concept appears more than 80 times in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. As a school that reflects the Kingdom of God we look to the New Testament where we read that John the Baptist’s ministry was to prepare for the Kingdom of God, which was at hand-emphasising the imminent arrival of God’s reign. As a school closely aligned with St John the Baptist, Old Malden this is a vital link. 

In St Luke 17 v 20-21, when questioned about the Kingdom of God, Jesus replied that it’s not about visible signs but exists within us, Jesus taught extensively about the significance of the Kingdom of God.  We are called to create a school environment that reflects love, humility, purpose, and transformation—a place where God’s will is lived out daily, where there is a focus on an inner transformation and where a relationship with God is fostered and people love one another. In Matthew 6 v 10 Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray “Your Kingdom come Your will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven”.  As a school we strive to build a community where God’s will of justice, service and humility are promoted. In Matthew 26 v 29 Jesus anticipated a future celebration in His Father’s kingdom. Jesus urged people to repent and enter the Kingdom by doing the will of the Father.

Jesus used parables to illuminate truths about the Kingdom of God

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

This parable describes the Kingdom of God as starting small, like a mustard seed, but growing into a large tree where birds can nest. It highlights the idea that the Kingdom of God begins in a small, almost unnoticed way but grows into something significant and inclusive (Matthew 13 v 31-32, Mark 4 v 30-32, Luke 13 v 18-19).

 

The Parable of the Yeast: Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to yeast that a woman mixes into a large amount of flour until it works all through the dough. This parable emphasises the transformative and pervasive nature of the Kingdom (Matthew 13 v 33, Luke 13 v 20-21).

 

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure: In this parable, the Kingdom of God is likened to a treasure hidden in a field, which a man finds and then sells everything he has to buy that field. It illustrates the immense value of the Kingdom and the joy of discovering it (Matthew 13 v 44).

 

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price: Like the hidden treasure, this parable describes a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds one of great value, he sells everything he has to buy it. This parable also highlights the incomparable worth of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 13 v 45-46).

 

The Parable of the Great Banquet: In this parable, a man prepares a great banquet and invites many guests. When the invited guests make excuses and do not come, the man invites the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. This parable emphasises the inclusivity and generosity of the Kingdom of God (Luke 14 V 15-24)  (Matthew 22:1-14).

 

The Kingdom of God is like a special place where people care for each other, help one another, and live by the teachings of Jesus. It’s not just a place we go to after we die, but something we can experience here and now by living in a way that reflects God’s love and kindness.

Although the future kingdom will also be a spiritual rule, Jesus declared, “Behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17 v 21). This suggests that both a spiritual reality and a future fulfilment; which closely aligns with our vision of Reflecting the Kingdom of God, by Enriching and Transforming lives. 

Our vision links the New Testament and with the Church of England’s vision for education:

• Educating for Wisdom: Our school’s Chrisitan vision seeks wisdom, knowledge, and skills, aligning with Jesus’ promise of abundant life.We encourage pupils to seek wisdom in all areas of life, just as Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God.

• Educating for Hope and Aspiration:Our school’s Christian vision includes healing, renewal, and coping wisely during challenges. As a school we inspire hope, open horizons, and guide pupils towards fulfilling their potential, mirroring Jesus's promise of abundant life.

• Educating for Community: A focus on relationships and character qualities enables flourishing together. Just as the Kingdom of God emphasises community, our school fosters a sense of belonging and a shared purpose.

• Educating for Dignity and Respect: Treating each person as unique and valuable aligns with the Kingdom of God’s principle of respecting the inherent worth of every person.