Christian Vision

Our Vision

To embody the love of God by championing justice and inspiring service.

Our Values

Community 

Do not seek your own good, but the good of the other person. 1 Corinthians 10:24

Aspiration

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4-5

Learning 

Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more. Matthew 25:20

Love

Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14

Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver an education of the highest quality while supporting the entire family. We aim to achieve excellent academic outcomes for our pupils and to develop well-rounded individuals who draw upon their faith and self-pride to reach their full potential. We are committed to supporting families to create a safe, happy and fulfilling life.

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Our Vision: Scripture

Our beautiful and meaningful vision is rooted in two powerful encounters with Jesus that speak volumes about love, justice, and service.

The woman who touched Jesus’ garment (Mark 5:21–34) had suffered for twelve years, isolated and overlooked because of her condition. Her quiet act of faith—reaching out in hope—was met not with rebuke, but with compassion. Jesus stopped, acknowledged her, and called her “Daughter.” This moment teaches us that love sees the unseen, and justice restores dignity to those who have been marginalized. It also reminds us that service sometimes means simply making space for someone’s story to be heard.

Zacchaeus the tax collector (Luke 19:1–10) was a man despised for his role in exploiting others. Yet Jesus chose to stay at his house, sparking a transformation. Zacchaeus responded by giving half his possessions to the poor and repaying those he had wronged. This story shows that love reaches across social barriers, justice includes repentance and restoration, and service flows from a changed heart.

Together, these stories show that embodying the love of God means lifting up the lowly, welcoming the outcast, and acting with courage and compassion. They challenge us to be a community where no one is invisible, and where love leads to action.

Our Vision: Theology

“To embody the love of God”

This phrase draws directly from the Christian understanding of agape—God’s selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love. The Bible teaches that “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and this love is most fully revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As 1 John 4:9-11 explains, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son… since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

To embody this love means to reflect God’s character in our relationships and actions. It is a call to radical compassion (Luke 6:36), dignity for all (Genesis 1:27), and inclusion—seen in Jesus’ ministry to the marginalized: the leper, the tax collector, the Samaritan woman. When a school community lives out this love, it becomes a sanctuary where every individual is valued and nurtured, laying the foundation for holistic flourishing.

“Championing justice”

Justice is not a peripheral theme in Scripture—it is central to God’s nature. Micah 6:8 famously distills God’s desire: “To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” This verse was spoken into a context of religious hypocrisy and social inequality, calling people back to authentic, ethical living.

Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as a defender of the oppressed (Psalm 146:7–9), and Jesus continues this mission, proclaiming in Luke 4:18 that he came “to proclaim good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free.” Championing justice in a school context means creating a culture where fairness, equity, and advocacy are not optional extras but expressions of faith. It empowers pupils to become courageous agents of change, echoing the prophetic tradition of speaking truth to power.

“Inspiring service”

Jesus redefined greatness through service. In John 13, he washes his disciples’ feet, saying, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” And in Mark 10:45, he declares, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

Christian service is not about charity alone—it’s about discipleship. It’s a way of life that mirrors Christ’s humility and love. Paul urges believers in Philippians 2:3–5 to “do nothing out of selfish ambition… but in humility value others above yourselves… have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

In a school setting, inspiring service cultivates empathy, responsibility, and spiritual maturity. It invites pupils and staff to see their gifts not as possessions, but as tools for blessing others—whether through peer support, community outreach, or global citizenship.

Together, these three strands—love, justice, and service—form a robust theological vision. They are not abstract ideals but lived expressions of the Gospel, shaping a school where every person is seen, heard, and empowered to flourish in the light of God’s grace.

Our Vision: Handsworth

A vision like ours —“To embody the love of God by championing justice and inspiring service”—is not just important in a community like Handsworth; it’s transformative.

Handsworth, like many vibrant urban communities, has often been defined by outsiders through a lens of limitation rather than potential. But the truth is, it’s a place rich in culture, resilience, and untapped brilliance. A vision rooted in love, justice, and service flips the narrative. It says: We see the worth in every person here. We believe in their future. And we will act with courage and compassion to make that future brighter.

This kind of vision:

  • Counters stereotypes by showing that the community is not broken, but brimming with people who care, serve, and uplift. It is not a community of deficit, but a community of abundant riches.
  • Inspires young people to believe they are seen, valued, and capable of greatness—especially when the world tells them otherwise.
  • Builds bridges between faith, action, and community life, reminding everyone that justice isn’t just a concept—it’s something we live out daily.
  • Creates a culture of hope, where service isn’t charity, but solidarity.

Schools, community groups and local activists in Handsworth are already living this out—offering support, food, mental health care, and youth programs, all powered by volunteers and love. St. Michael’s vision commits us to this movement, helping to shape a generation that doesn’t just dream of change—they become it.

Our Vision: Other Faiths

At St. Michael’s, the diversity of Handsworth isn’t just something we acknowledge—it’s something we embrace and celebrate. Our school is a vibrant tapestry of cultural, ethnic, and religious identities, and this richness is reflected daily in our classrooms, our conversations, and our collective values. We are, without apology, a Christian school: our foundation is the life, teachings, and person of Jesus Christ, and our vision is intentionally rooted in Christian theology.

However, to be Christian in a community like ours is also to be hospitable, respectful, and open-hearted. That’s why our vision—“To embody the love of God by championing justice and inspiring service”—was shaped to honour our context. We know that among us are families who belong to strong Islamic and Sikh traditions. These are not marginal presences—they are central to the life of our school. So we’ve worked to ensure that the values which flow from our Christian vision—love, justice, service—also resonate with the spiritual and moral teachings of our Muslim and Sikh pupils and their families.

In doing so, our vision does not lose its Christian distinctiveness—it gains depth, credibility, and relevance. It becomes a shared language, where different faiths can see their convictions mirrored in the life of our school, and where all pupils, regardless of background, are supported in flourishing spiritually, morally, and academically. This approach nurtures mutual understanding and cultivates a culture where diverse beliefs are not just tolerated, but treasured as part of our common life.

Islamic Resonance

  • Love of God (Mahabbat Allah): Islam teaches that God (Allah) is Al-Wadud—the Most Loving (Qur’an 85:14). Believers are called to love God wholeheartedly (Qur’an 2:165) and to show compassion to others as a reflection of divine mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
  • Justice (‘Adl): Justice is a central tenet in Islam. The Qur’an commands: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice” (Qur’an 4:58). Justice is seen as a divine attribute and a moral obligation for all believers.
  • Service (Khidmah): Serving others is a form of worship in Islam. The Prophet said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others” (al-Mu’jam al-Awsat). Acts of charity (sadaqah), hospitality, and community care are all expressions of faith.

Sikh Resonance

  • Love (Prem): Sikhism teaches that God is love and that the path to God is through love. Guru Arjan wrote, “He alone truly lives who loves” (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 474). Love is not just emotion but action—expressed through humility, kindness, and devotion.
  • Justice (Niyāy): Justice in Sikhism is inseparable from equality and dignity. Guru Nanak taught, “Recognize the whole human race as one” (Guru Gobind Singh). Sikhs are called to stand against oppression and to uphold righteousness, as seen in the concept of Sant-Sipahi—the saint-soldier who embodies both spiritual wisdom and moral courage.
  • Service (Seva): Seva, or selfless service, is a cornerstone of Sikh life. The Guru Granth Sahib teaches, “One who performs selfless service, without thought of reward, shall attain his Lord and Master” . This is lived out in practices like langar (community kitchen), disaster relief, and daily acts of kindness.

Our Values: Scripture

Community – “Do not seek your own good, but the good of the other person.” – 1 Corinthians 10:24
This verse calls for selflessness and mutual care, echoing the early Christian community in Acts where believers shared everything in common. Theologically, it reflects the Trinitarian nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in perfect relationship. When your school prioritizes community, it mirrors this divine relationality, encouraging pupils and staff to live in harmony, empathy, and shared purpose.

Aspiration – “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4-5
This passage doesn’t promise worldly success, but rather a transformation of desire. When we delight in God, our aspirations align with His will. Theologically, it speaks to vocation—God’s calling on each life. Encouraging aspiration in your school nurtures a sense of purpose rooted in faith, where pupils are inspired to pursue their God-given potential with joy and trust.

Learning – “Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more.” – Matthew 25:20
This verse from the Parable of the Talents highlights faithful stewardship. Learning becomes an act of worship when we use our gifts to grow and serve. Theologically, it affirms that knowledge and wisdom are gifts from God (Proverbs 2:6), and that education is a sacred trust. Your school’s commitment to learning honours this by cultivating curiosity, responsibility, and excellence.

Love – “Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
This verse is a summation of Christian ethics. Love—agape—is the highest virtue, the very nature of God (1 John 4:8). Theologically, it underpins every other value. When love is the foundation, justice, service, and learning are not just actions but expressions of divine grace. In your school, love becomes the atmosphere in which all flourish.

Together, these values form a coherent theological vision: a community shaped by God’s love, aspiring toward His purposes, growing in wisdom, and living for others.

Our Values: Theology

Each of your school’s values—community, aspiration, learning, and love—has deep theological roots within the Christian tradition, grounded in Scripture and centuries of Christian thought. Here’s how each value is theologically anchored:

Community

Christian theology begins with relationship: God as Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is a divine community of love. Humanity, made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), is created for relationship with God and one another. The early Church embodied this in Acts 2:42–47, where believers shared life, possessions, and worship. Paul’s letters frequently describe the Church as the “body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12), where each member is essential and interdependent. Community, then, is not just social—it’s sacred.

Aspiration

Aspiration, in Christian terms, is about seeking God’s purposes and growing into the fullness of who we are created to be. Psalm 37:4–5 encourages believers to “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” This isn’t about self-centred ambition, but about aligning our hopes with God’s will. Philippians 3:14 speaks of “pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Aspiration becomes a spiritual journey of vocation, hope, and transformation.

Learning

Wisdom and learning are celebrated throughout Scripture. Proverbs 4:7 declares, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Jesus himself was called “Rabbi” (teacher), and in Luke 2:52 we read that he “grew in wisdom and stature.” The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30) affirms the faithful use and development of God-given gifts. Learning, then, is a sacred act—an expression of stewardship, curiosity, and discipleship.

Love

Love is the heartbeat of Christian theology. “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and Jesus names love as the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39). Paul’s famous passage in 1 Corinthians 13 describes love as patient, kind, and enduring—greater even than faith and hope. Love is not merely an emotion but a way of being that reflects the very nature of God and underpins all Christian ethics.

Our Values: Other Faiths

Our school values—community, aspiration, learning, and love—are not only theologically grounded in Christianity, but also resonate deeply with the spiritual teachings of Islam and Sikhism, both of which uphold these principles as essential to a faithful life.

Community

  • Islam: The concept of ummah (community) is central. The Qur’an emphasizes unity and mutual care: “The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers” (Qur’an 49:10). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that the Muslim community is like a body—if one part suffers, the whole feels the pain (Sahih Muslim).
  • Sikhism: Community is expressed through sangat (holy congregation) and pangat (eating together as equals). The practice of langar (community kitchen) embodies equality, service, and shared humanity. Guru Nanak taught that all are children of the same Creator, and thus belong to one human family.

Aspiration

  • Islam: Aspiration is linked to niyyah (intention) and striving in the path of God (jihad al-nafs—the inner struggle for righteousness). The Qur’an says: “And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives” (Qur’an 53:39). Aspiration is about aligning one’s goals with divine purpose.
  • Sikhism: Sikhs are called to live with chardi kala—a spirit of optimism and high resolve. Aspiration is not about personal gain but about living truthfully and fulfilling one’s God-given potential. Guru Nanak emphasized hukam (divine will), encouraging individuals to aspire toward spiritual growth and righteous living.

Learning

  • Islam: The pursuit of knowledge is a sacred duty. The Prophet said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim” (Sunan Ibn Majah). The Qur’an begins with the command “Read!” (Qur’an 96:1), and learning is seen as a path to understanding God’s creation and living wisely.
  • Sikhism: Learning is central to Sikh identity—the word Sikh itself means “learner” or “disciple.” The Guru Granth Sahib is a living scripture meant to be studied, reflected upon, and lived out. Sikhs are encouraged to seek wisdom and apply it in service to others.

Love

  • Islam: Love for God (mahabbat Allah) and for others is foundational. The Qur’an describes God as Al-Wadud (The Most Loving), and believers are called to show mercy and compassion. The Prophet said, “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
  • Sikhism: Love (prem) is the highest spiritual virtue. Guru Arjan wrote, “He alone truly lives who loves” (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 474). Love is not just emotion—it is expressed through humility, service, and devotion to God and humanity.

These shared theological roots show that your values are not only Christian in origin but also deeply meaningful to pupils and families from Islamic and Sikh backgrounds. They create a common moral and spiritual language that honours difference while building unity.