Introduction

Christian Ethos and Values
We are a fully inclusive school, and children of all faiths are welcomed in our school. However, we fully believe that it is in the very best interests of all children and of the community in which they live to instil in our pupils the values of Christianity. In doing so, we hope to support children in becoming compassionate, respectful, forgiving and tolerant young people – in short, people who live the Christian values. Additionally, we feel that growing up in the knowledge that they are cared for and welcomed by the Christian Church is in itself a blessing for any child. We hope that our school reflects this belief and is successful in demonstrating the value of Christianity in children’s lives.

Please see our page about Collective Worship and download our curriculum drivers for more information about the way our Christian values are instilled in our practice.

Church of England Ethos Statement

‘Recognising its historic foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the Churches at parish and diocesan level. The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its pupils.’


Links with St Mary’s Church
Whickham Parochial C of E Primary School began its life three hundred years ago as the parish school of St Mary’s Church in Whickham. Although we have since moved further away geographically, our partnership with St Mary’s Church continues to be a defining character of our school. We feel very fortunate to be a part of the Christian community and feel this relationship helps us to create a wonderful learning community in which the Christian Faith is valued and taught.

A very important part of our relationship with the church is our Eucharist Service, which takes place once each term. Please see our calendar for upcoming dates if you would like more information.
Additionally, we work closely with Father Barry from St Mary’s to prepare our children to continue their relationship with the Christian church by offering voluntary ‘Reception to Holy Communion’ lessons in Years 4, 5 and 6 children in the spring term. These sessions prepare children to become communicant members of the church congregation. Children considering this step may also wish to attend the ‘Messy Church’ sessions at St Mary’s, which is for children aged 7+:

At Parochial our values are friendship, compassion, honesty, service and forgiveness. We also talk about the value of hope and of courage.

Please see our pages ‘Living our Christian Faith’

and Embedding our Values

 

We were sad to be unable to bring you in for our Harvest Festival! Although we very much missed the Eucharist part of our service, we were still able to have a thanksgiving service outside. Here is the link to our video: