Our Christian vision in action
Our Christian vision – “Supporting pupils to be successful, healthy, fulfilled, and empowered to make a difference – strengthened by the hope and example of God” – calls us to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with others. It shapes a culture in which pupils and adults understand that freedom comes with responsibility, and that we are all called to use our gifts for the good of others and for God’s world. Pupils learn that by being empowered to make a difference and fulfilled through service, they can create positive change in their school, community and beyond.
Global responsibility: Stand By Me – partnership with Colombia
Our most significant long-term partnership is with the Christian charity Stand By Me. Each year group sponsors a child from Guacamayal, Colombia, who joins them when they enter Year 3 and remains with them until they leave Year 6. This partnership is far more than fundraising; it is about friendship, compassion and shared learning. Pupils exchange letters and examples of work, learning about the life, education and community of their sponsored child. They develop empathy and a global sense of justice, recognising that they can make a difference in someone else’s life through kindness and generosity. Our behaviour strategy even reflects this partnership. Each term, the year group with the most green points earns money to choose a gift for their sponsored child. In this way, pupils are motivated to improve themselves while improving the lives of others – a living example of our vision to be fulfilled and empowered. Colombia has also been woven into our curriculum, particularly in literacy, geography and PSHE, helping pupils understand the country’s culture, challenges and opportunities. Each January, we celebrate Colombia Day, when representatives from Stand By Me visit to share stories and updates, strengthening the bond between our pupils and those they support.
Meet our sponsor children....
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Mattias – Year Three |
Nailin – Year Four |
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Azahel – Year Five |
Dana – Year Six |
Community responsibility: local action and care
Justice and responsibility begin within our own community. Every summer term, we hold a Community Month, where each class chooses a form of social action to make a positive difference locally. Activities have included creating artwork to brighten Dagenham East Underground Station, litter picking in local parks, planting trees to create a pocket forest, supporting parent and toddler groups, visiting the elderly at the local church and care homes, and leading activities for younger children. Through these experiences, pupils learn that to be empowered means using their voice and actions to serve others with humility and joy. We also encourage pupils to propose their own charitable projects. One memorable example came from a child who had stayed in a local hospital ward and wanted to fundraise to provide books and toys for other patients. The school supported her in organising this event, showing pupils that advocacy begins with compassion and that justice often starts close to home.
Social and environmental awareness
Our pupils have urged us to focus more on social justice and ecology. As a result, part of the school’s charitable budget now directly supports projects chosen by pupils to promote fairness, sustainability and care for creation. We regularly invite visitors who share their own stories of overcoming barriers, whether linked to poverty, discrimination or disability, and how they have used their experiences for good. These encounters inspire pupils to see difference as strength and to think deeply about their own responsibilities in creating a fairer world. Across the curriculum, pupils learn about inequality, stereotypes and discrimination, exploring how to respond with empathy and courage. Through topics such as human rights, environmental stewardship and media influence, they are encouraged to think critically about justice and to act responsibly as citizens and as people of faith.
On Tuesday 21st October, Year 4 visitied Beam Parklands as part of their current science unit. The children have been acting as conservationlists and they were looking at the range of habitats found there. The children found pond, hedgerow and woodland habitats and started to think about how these habitats can be cared for. We were very lucky with the weather and all had a very enjoyable time.
Learning about justice through experience
Justice is explored not only through social action but also through real-world learning. Pupils take part in a mock Crown Court case at Snaresbrook Crown Court or the Royal Courts of Justice, helping them understand fairness, advocacy and responsibility. This links directly to our careers work under the “being successful” element of our vision, showing that justice and integrity are essential in every walk of life. Our pupil voice groups also take responsibility for positive change in school. They have influenced decisions from school dinner menus, ensuring healthy and nutritious choices, to environmental projects and community partnerships, ensuring our vision to be healthy and empowered is lived out every day.
A culture shaped by faith
At William Ford, justice and responsibility are not abstract ideas; they are daily expressions of our Christian vision. We believe that treating others with dignity, caring for creation and standing up for fairness are acts of faith that bring hope into our community and beyond. We want our pupils to be proud of Barking and Dagenham, to see it as a place of potential and belonging, and to take pride in improving it for future generations. In doing so, they live out what it means to be fulfilled and empowered to make a difference – strengthened by the hope and example of God.