Our Christian Values

We promote all the gospel values (generosity, courage, compassion, trust, justice, peace, thankfulness, forgiveness, love, friendship, reverence, humility, hope, wisdom) at school, but we have chosen 4 as central to our Christian vision. We focus on 2 "values" for the term.

Respect

Honesty

Perseverance

Service

Our Christian Values are embedded throughout our School

Faith Group

Our Faith Group, with representatives from Year 1 to Year 6, was established with its main purpose to ensure that the Christian distinctiveness of the school, as a 'Church of England' Primary School, is maintained and enhanced. We meet every half term to discuss worship, their views, and participation.

Bible Lunchtime Club

This runs once a week for KS2 children. They have the opportunity to listen and discuss Bible stories, respond creatively through art and craft activities. This is a popular club where the children have a lot of fun. All children of faith and no faith are welcome to attend.

Collective Worship

We meet regularly as a school to celebrate our faith. We have daily worship, and special assemblies with visitors throughout the year. Worship is led by our vicar, staff and children. Our aim is to provide the opportunity for pupils to: worship God, consider spiritual and moral issues and to explore their own beliefs; participate and respond, whether through active involvement in the presentation of worship or through listening and joining in the worship offered; and develop community spirit, promote a common ethos and shared values, and reinforce positive attitudes.

Reflection Areas

As a school we feel it is important to have a focal and central prayer point for the whole school community to engage with. As it is positioned just off from the main hall, most children can have access to it on a regular basis. Its theme follows our Christian value for the half term.

Each classroom has a Christian Reflection Area, which follows the same Christian value as collective worship to enable the children to deepen their understanding and thoughts behind each Christian message. These areas are a place where the children can come to reflect and pray. They have a Bible and a cross as its focal point and will include other artefacts, pictures and verses to engage the children in thought and prayer.

Classrooms

At St John’s, we believe spirituality is not something we can see; it is something we feel inside ourselves. It is about awe and wonder, asking questions, inspiration and being aware of something ‘bigger’ outside of ourselves.

Spirituality concerns a person’s relationship with themselves, with others, with God (or the transcendent), and with nature and the environment. These four elements: self; others; transcendence and beauty form the basis of our work with children in developing a strong sense of spirituality.

Church Services

We attend regular church services at St John the Evangelist to celebrate festivals such as Harvest, Christmas, Easter etc. led by our vicar with all children participating.

Spirituality at St John’s C of E

What Is Spirituality?

Spirituality is a deeply personal experience that varies between individuals and changes over time. It is not the same as religious belief; a person can be spiritual without following a particular faith. Spirituality is about feelings, awe, wonder, and a sense of something greater than ourselves.

It involves four key areas:

Self: Understanding feelings, self-worth, gratitude, creativity, and personal beliefs.
Others: Showing empathy, love, respect, and a sense of duty.
Transcendence: Exploring big questions about life and faith, prayer, and understanding the world.
Beauty: Appreciating nature, art, music, and the wonders of life.

Spirituality is important for both children and adults, supporting well-being and a strong sense of purpose.

How We Develop Spirituality

Children are encouraged to:

Express beliefs and opinions through discussions and storytelling.
Develop personal values and respect for all faiths.
Ask big questions about life and the world.
Engage in creative and imaginative activities.
Reflect on their experiences and relationships.
Show kindness, compassion, and responsibility.
Participate in prayer, reflection, and acts of worship.

Supporting Spiritual Growth

A curriculum that includes reflection and discussion.
Reflection books used as a focal point for reflection, and can include RE and PSHE
A structured programme of Collective Worship.
Daily act of collective worship taking different forms, and involving children
School-wide displays promoting spirituality.
An inspiring RE curriculum with visits and guest speakers.
This approach helps children develop a strong sense of spirituality, encouraging reflection,
curiosity, and respect for the world around them.