Christian Vision and Values
We promote strong Christian values, where children are appropriately supported and challenged to succeed. These values help to promote the principles of life that Jesus taught.
Respect – A Christian value is to be conscious that God has created all people in His image. As a response, we show respect to all and treat others as we wish to be treated.
And Jesus commanded his followers to ‘care for one another, as I have cared for you’ – John 13: 34
Responsibility – We are called to be responsible stewards of God’s creation. We should recognise when we are at fault, do jobs to the best of our ability, look after others and care for the environment.
God said to human beings, ‘Fill the earth with people and look after it. Care for all that I have made’. – Genesis 1:27
Resilience – Nothing will be impossible with God. It is the quality of being able to adapt to stressful life changes and ‘bounce back’ from hardship.
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”. – Philippians 4:13
Reflection – Christians need to regularly step back and reflect on their hearts and motivations to preserve their own relationship with God.
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart”. – Proverbs 27:19
Collective Worship
As a Church of England School, Collective Worship is carried out on a daily basis. It is Christian in content and encourages worship of God. Collective worship allows time for guidance, positive thought and development on spiritual, moral, social and emotional issues. Worship also allows an opportunity for quiet reflection and exploration of self.
Daily worship may be led by staff, children or visitors to the school. These worship times have a theme and may include stories, songs or hymns, prayers plus a time of reflection. The altar in the school hall and the artwork on the wall were created by pupils at the school and is a spectacular focal point for worship. We follow the Christian calendar and celebrate special days and festivals throughout the year. Parents and the community are warmly invited to share our daily worship and weekly celebrations as well as these special services.
Parents have the right to withdraw their child from Collective Worship if their own religious beliefs make this necessary. If you wish to withdraw your child please contact the Headteacher.
We actively encourage all children to take part in worship. All classes visit the local church at least once a term.
We are part of the Diocese of Rochester and you can link to the Diocese of Rochester website by clicking here
Religious Education
Religious Education is taught in accordance with both the Understanding Christianity Scheme and the Kent Agreed Syllabus. RE enables pupils to appreciate their own and others’ beliefs and cultures, helping them to develop a clear understanding of the significance of religion in their own area as well as in the world today.
See our Religious Education page for more information.
Leading Lights
To find out more about our Leading Lights group, please visit the Pupil Leadership page here
Our Church
Horton Kirby Church of England Primary School enjoys close links with St. Mary’s Horton Kirby. We hold a range of services at the church for Harvest Festivals, Christmas Carol Concerts, Year 6 Leaver’s Service and are often used for teaching purposes at various times to give the opportunity for individual classes to visit the church as part of our RE curriculum.
St Mary’s is a Grade II* Listed building, completed circa 1225 in a larger form than we see today. The church was built at the same time as Rochester Cathedral as both buildings share a stonemason’s benchmark. For more information please visit: St. Mary’s Church Website here.
