Church School

Our School Vision

'Working together to be the best that we can be’

Our core values of compassion, courage and perseverance are embedded across the curriculum and we are passionate about providing a wide range of exciting and engaging learning opportunities and experiences for all children in order for them to flourish as individuals and develop their spiritual understanding. Working as a team, we provide a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment for every child to reach their full potential and be the best that they can be.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep – Luke 15: 3-7

Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep. 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety -nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

In this story, Jesus uses the shepherd and the sheep to illustrate how much God values each and every one of his people.

This story reminds us of the importance of valuing everyone and creating equal opportunities for all. We all have a responsibility to show compassion, have perseverance and be courageous in everything that we do. In building relationships and working together, we can celebrate success and ultimately, be the best that we can be.

Our values relate to our vision and theological root by:

Compassion – caring for all the sheep.

Courage - searching for the sheep that is lost.

Perseverance - not giving up until the lost sheep is found.

We are thankful for enjoying close links with St Lawrence’s and Priddy Church. The children of the Federation enjoy visits to both Churches as part of their Religious Education as well as marking significant celebrations during the Church Year.

Open Book takes place once a month at each school providing the children an opportunity to hear the major stories of the Bible.

Collective Worship at The Federation of Priddy and St. Lawrence’s C of E Primary School

What is Collective Worship?

Collective Worship is an educational activity or experience

To which all can contribute
From which all can gain

It is central to education in our school and forms an essential part of the school’s overall provision for prayer and worship.

Collective Worship in our school respects the diversity of belief and commitment, but it is Christian in character, reflecting in the liturgical tradition of the Church and having Christ at its heart.

Aims

The aim of collective worship at our federation is best characterised by the above statements. We seek to provide opportunities, formally and informally, for children, staff and sometimes parents, to worship together. Children are encouraged to participate and respond, either actively in the presentation of worship or by listening and joining in the celebration.

Organisation

All children will celebrate an act of collective worship each day; generally, there will be three occasions each week when larger groups, usually in key stages, will gather together to worship.

Whole School Collective Worship will normally take place in the school hall or at St. Laurence’s Church (Priddy) where the whole family of our federation can 'grow together' spiritually. Classes hold individual collective worship for their own peer groups to understand how they can 'make a difference' through discussing Picture News together. Key stages share collective worship spiritually through worship, songs and praise. We also love to come together as a whole school at both churches. several times across the year.

Open Book takes place once a month at both Priddy and St Lawrence’s sites providing the children with an opportunity to hear stories from the Bible.

Collective Worship Leaders play an active role within our collective worship and reflection times. The children contribute and share their own prayers.