St. Andrew's Church

At Wilmcote C of E Primary School, our deep connection to St. Andrew's Church is beautifully reflected in our school badge, which proudly features the Scottish Saltire. This emblem serves as a constant reminder of our shared heritage and the spiritual home we have in St. Andrew's.

Each year, St. Andrew's Day holds special significance for us, as we gather in the very church that bears his name to celebrate. This annual tradition not only honours our patron saint but also provides a wonderful opportunity for our school community to reflect on Andrew's own spiritual journey. We believe this close relationship with our church enriches the spiritual lives of our pupils, grounding them in our Christian values and inspiring them to follow Andrew's example of service and witness.

St. Andrew

St. Andrew is directly linked to Matthew 4:19! He's actually one of the very first people Jesus calls in that passage.

St. Andrew: The First Called Fisherman

He Was There! The Bible tells us that when Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee and said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men," Andrew and his brother Simon (who Jesus later called Peter) were the two fishermen casting their nets. They were the first ones Jesus called to follow Him and begin this new, purposeful life. This means Andrew is a real-life example of someone hearing that call and responding.

His Original Job

Andrew was literally a fisherman by trade. So, when Jesus used the phrase "fishers of men," it would have resonated deeply with him. It was a picture he understood, but now applied to a much bigger, more important mission: helping people find their way to God.

Bringing Others to Jesus

An important detail about St. Andrew, especially in John's Gospel, is that he was the one who first met Jesus and then immediately went to find his brother, Peter, and brought him to Jesus. This shows Andrew's heart for helping others connect with God – he was already a "fisher of men" in a way, even before Jesus explicitly said it! This connects strongly to the idea of positive impact and helping others.

Why is St. Andrew Special for Wilmcote C of E Primary?

A Role Model for Finding Purpose: St. Andrew is a wonderful example for the children at Wilmcote C of E Primary. He was an ordinary person, a fisherman, but he heard a call to a greater purpose and bravely followed it.This shows children that no matter who they are or what their skills are, they have the potential to do great things and make a difference.
 

The Power of "Follow Me": Andrew's immediate response to Jesus's call (they immediately left their nets and followed him) highlights the idea of trust, faith, and taking a leap into something new. This links to the school's encouragement for children to be confident, resilient, and ready to explore their potential.
 

A Saint of Connection: Andrew's role in bringing Peter to Jesus emphasises the importance of relationships, community, and sharing good things with others. This perfectly aligns with Wilmcote's focus on building a nurturing, inclusive and safe community built on Christian Values that inspire positive and trusting relationships.
 

The Wider Christian World: St. Andrew is also the patron saint of Scotland (hence the saltire on our school badge) and several other countries. This broadens the children's understanding of the global Christian community and how faith connects people across different places and cultures. It's a reminder that being a "fisher of men" is a message for everyone, everywhere.

So, St. Andrew is not just a distant historical figure; he's a very real and tangible link to the verse "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." His story perfectly illustrates the themes of discovering purpose, growing into one's potential, and having a positive impact on the world – all values at the heart of Wilmcote C of E Primary School.

Strong Links with St. Andrew's Church

We benefit from long-standing connections with St. Andrew's Church, which is right next door to our school. The Head of School is very keen to continually strengthen these valuable links.

Shared Activities and Spiritual Growth

Our school community, including children, families, and staff, enjoys and looks forward to church services for specific festivals, where we all come together in the beautiful setting of St. Andrew's. The priest-in-charge also makes regular visits to lead or participate in assemblies and events throughout the school year, which consistently encourage lively and thoughtful discussions among the children. Each school leaver is presented with a Bible, symbolising their ongoing journey of faith and learning.

Community Engagement Beyond the Classroom

We actively support initiatives like "St Andrew’s Minnows," a stay-and-play session for pre-school children and their carers held every Monday morning in the Village Hall. We also see school festivals like Harvest Sunday, Remembrance Sunday, and Plough Sunday as important opportunities to connect with children and families in the wider community.

The school welcomes children from the Travellers' site, and the church provides occasional services like baptisms, weddings, and funerals for this group, fostering inclusivity within the village. Our children also benefit from the vibrant wider community activities, such as those held at the Village Hall and the popular children’s playground, often initiated and funded by enthusiastic parents. This embodies the Trinity concept of being made for living in community and making room for everyone. It also reflects Salvation's aim to transform lives, bring inclusion and equity, and raise the hopes of others.