Religious Life- Our Vision!

‘STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE, TOGETHER AS ONE WITH GOD’

This is based on Corinthians chapter 12. ‘Truly, God put the parts in the body as he wanted them. He made a place for each one of them. And so there are many parts, but only one body. All of you together are the body of Christ.’

This vision statement flows into the school’s mission statement. It is established and promoted at all levels and is highly successful in enabling pupils and adults to flourish.

MISSION STATEMENT

‘St. Andrew’s is a Methodist Controlled Primary School.  We provide an excellent education in a Christian context from a firm Christian base.  Although our roots lie in Methodism we welcome children of different religions and cultural backgrounds.  We are committed to the highest achievement possible for the children in our charge and, in working with children, we welcome the partnership with parents and the local authority and involvement in the local community.’

We aim to teach, support and encourage each other recognising and developing the gifts God has given us all.

The vision and values are at the core of all school policies– ones particularly pertinent to religious life can be found below.

• To see our latest National Society Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools Report SIAMS Report 2020 
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• Collective Worship policy
• Religious Education policy
• Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education policy

Collective Worship

Our daily act of collective worship is central to the life of the school and valued as a peaceful and special time of day. It is inclusive and invitational and children are able to respond individually to opportunities for reflection and prayer. All children from Reception to Y6 have the opportunity to lead and evaluate worship. Older children are invited to plan and lead individual acts of worship. Worship normally takes place in school, but we have an open invitation to visit and worship in Walkden Methodist Church. The minister  leads weekly worship in school.

We welcome visitors from other places of worship. The children get very excited when Chip from Audacious Church in Manchester joins us! He invited our school choir to perform at the Big Sing in December 2024.

• Worship planning is on a two year cycle

Religious Education

Our provision for Religious Education reflects the Church of England entitlement statement and meets statutory obligations, being taught weekly. RE helps children to understand Christianity as a living world faith through engagement with the Bible and by exploring key theological concepts. It helps children consider the impact that Christianity has on Britain’s cultural heritage and the lives of people worldwide. Through RE teaching, children develop knowledge and understanding of major world religions and world views other than Christian. Our RE lesson are a safe space for children to reflect on their own religious, spiritual and/or philosophical convictions. 

• Religious Education Outcomes

Global Citizenship

One of the ways we try to live out the school’s Christian vision is by engaging in social action and being courageous advocates for change in our local, national and global communities. We are registered with;

Bronze Rights Respecting Schools award achieved 2024.

Christian Aid ‘Global Neighbours’ scheme (Bronze award achieved July 2019)

 

LIVING THE VISION!

RECENT CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 

• Harvest gifts: Collecting food for ‘Mustard Tree’ (local foodbank)
• Raised money for Children in Need by wearing red, yellow and spots!
• Selling poppies to raise money for the Royal British Legion
• Raised money for Comic Relief by wearing red.
• Visiting Bourke Gardens care home to do arts and crafts with residents
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COMMUNITY SERVICE

Bourke Gardens Care Home

• The Pupil Rights Group established a link with Bourke Gardens Care Home. Visits included art and craft work,singing and chatting with the residents!
• Our school choir sing regularly for senior citizens at Walkden Methodist church luncheon club.
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BRITISH VALUES AND JUSTICE

2024-2025

• Our local MP, Yasmin Qureshi, visited school and met with members of the Pupil Rights Group.
• In autumn 2024 we achieved the Bronze Rights Respecting Schools' Award.
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Rev’d Grace!

We are so proud of our former family support worker, Grace Thomas, who has been ordained as a priest in the Church of England. Here she is at Manchester Cathedral with her husband, father in law and brother in law. Congratulations Grace- we will miss you but we know you will be Amazing Grace as always!

We were even prouder in 2024 when Grace became a canon at Manchester cathedral- she is an inspiration to us all!