When I arrived in April 2001, the idea of having a church school in Cambourne was already being talked about. After careful investigation and reflection a steering group was formed as the local church recognised that a church school could have a massive impact for good in our local community. Being a multi-denominational church it was clear from the outset that this should be a school sponsored by more than one single denomination.

At the public meeting in summer of 2004, I argued for a school where there was:

• academic excellence;
• care for the whole child;
• a desire to enable children to grow in spiritual awareness;
• and a resource within the local community.

Unlike some church schools which have religious admissions criteria we saw no place for favouring those who went to church when it came to access to the school. Our desire was to offer to the community a school with a broadly Christian character but one in which all faiths were valued and all people encouraged.

Rev. Peter Wood
Feb 2010

The Vine Inter-Church 10th Birthday Celebrations

This year The Vine Inter Church Primary School celebrated its tenth birthday!! The Cambourne Church, Church of England and the Methodists, Governors, Architects and builders, Debbie Higham and Ali Cooper came together; sharing their thoughts and ideas to build a school. They were joined by teachers, teaching assistants, The Vine Café and parents, carers and of course pupils! On 5th September 2005 a new school was created as 12 members of staff welcomed 88 pupils to The Vine School.

We wanted to remember this special occasion; the pupils, teachers and Governors worked together to think of ways to celebrate. An artist was commissioned to make a piece of work that was unique and that could be enjoyed by all the school. A Vine has been created that will grow from the heart of the school, winding down a central pillar in the front entrance. What a fantastic birthday present. The Vine Volunteers who work tirelessly for the school have funded our Solardome; an exciting outdoor classroom to be enjoyed by all.

Of course you cannot have a birthday without songs, a party and cake, so this summer we celebrated our tenth birthday with a Thanksgiving Service. All the pupils and staff recorded a cd of our favourite ten songs which included: We are the pupils of the Vine School, Happy and Sing! The front and inside covers were designed by two pupils.

On the day of our Summer Fete we held our special Thanksgiving Service; past Governors, teachers and teaching assistants were invited. Members of the local authority, representatives from Ely Diocese, the Methodist Church and the Parish Council joined us. We were so proud to celebrate the event with Bishop Stephen our honoured guest; he has been very much part of our school as it was him who officially opened The Vine. We lit the candles on the Birthday Cake and sang Happy Birthday.

After our Thanksgiving Service which was led by Debbie Higham, our special guests joined together to enjoy tea and cake in our Reflection Courtyard. Bishop Stephen and the Chair of Governors delivered a present of a cross to every class and learning area in the school.

The special day was topped off by our fantastic Tenth Birthday Summer Fete! The fete was opened by 500 purple balloons floating high up into the sky. The sun continued to shine on us all through the evening. What a fantastic way to celebrate TEN YEARS OF THE VINE SCHOOL!

Thank you to everyone who has helped to create our school. We are proud of it and love it!