We visit an Oldbury school where students learn to 'shine' through compassion, love and courage 'inspired by Jesus and his followers'
Oldbury's Christ Church C of E Primary School is a school where students learn to shine through their strong core values and inclusive environment.
The school, on Albert Street, Oldbury, isn't just a school where students learn English or maths; they learn to become the leaders of tomorrow.
At Christ Church C of E Primary School, the word 'shine' isn't just a string of letters; it's a statement, a belief system, and an ethos where pupils learn to participate as members of their communities.
Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, the school says its uniqueness isn't in any single programme or activity, but more in the way the school community works together to ensure that everyone belongs.
Under the leadership of headteacher Matthew Wynne, every decision is made together, as a community, with each choice made with one focus in mind, 'our children'.
'Our Shine Values'
Mr Wynne said: "What makes Christ Church unique isn't a single programme or activity, but the way our whole school community works together to create a place where every child truly belongs.
"Our SHINE values run through everything we do, from the way we teach and support children to the special events we put on for our families.
"What is unique to us is the consistency of love, inclusion and commitment shown by our staff. Every decision we make is shaped around each child's needs, and our approach to curriculum, wellbeing and relationships is tailored to our community.
"The combination of the warmth of our environment, the way we know our children, and the way we live out our values every day is what makes Christ Church distinctive."
'Let our light shine'
Mr Wynne said the school's vision is inspired by Jesus and his followers, guided by Matthew 5:16 to 'let our light shine'.
Each staff member believes that each is uniquely gifted by God, and they help them to flourish and shine.
The headteacher said: "At Christ Church C of E, our vision is inspired through Jesus and his followers, guided by the call in Matthew 5:16 to let our light shine.
"We believe every child is uniquely gifted by God, and we help them to flourish physically, emotionally and spiritually through our 'shine' values.
"As an inclusive school, we celebrate the rich diversity of our community, and follow Jesus's example of love, compassion, forgiveness and courage.
"Our aim is for every child to grow up with purpose, character and wisdom, learning that true success is found not in what we have, but in how we serve others."
The Christ Church focuses
The school's focus areas are seen to be centred around children and their community.
Over the past few years, the school has placed a focus on teaching reading and writing, increasing phonic provision to 83 per cent in 2025, above the national average.
However, it's not all statistics. The school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) has also received a huge facelift, with a 'great amount of funds' and staff time going towards creating a 'welcoming and productive environment' for the children.
As well as EYFS provisions, evidence shows a rapid improvement in the school's target areas, with both the local authority and the Fioretti Trust confirming the schools have improved on all targets set.
Mr Wynne said: "Christ Church is going from strength to strength, and is now securely established in its performance.
"Several areas have not only improved, but have become genuine areas of excellence, with staff from other schools visiting to see best practice in action."
What do the children say?
Mr Wynne said children enjoy coming to school because they feel 'valued, welcomed and inspired' from the moment they walk through the doors.
But never mind what the adults think: we asked the children what they thought about attending Christ Church, and they couldn't seem more pleased with their experiences.
One pupil said: "I like coming to school because I like the new curriculum, it's hard and challenging and makes me think harder."
Another young learner said: "I like to come to school because I love the new library, they have lots of books that I like to read and enjoy!"
And lastly, one student could only say one word when we asked how they feel coming to school: "Happy!"
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