Key aspects of Christian distinctiveness in Horton School

Christian distinctiveness in Horton School is characterised by a commitment to Christian values and practices, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all our children while promoting Christian beliefs and principles. We offer a high-quality education rooted in faith, encouraging spiritual development alongside academic and personal growth.

Around the school, there are signs, symbols and prayers that reflect the Christian heritage on which the school is built.

The school is led by an Executive Headteacher who is committed to maintaining and developing the school's Christian character and is supported by staff and governors.

Christian Values

The school incorporates Christian values like love, compassion, forgiveness, and respect into daily life and the curriculum.  Staff work tirelessly to develop each child’s academic, social and cultural potential.

Daily Collective Worship:

Worship allows the whole school community to step away from their daily lives in education, to create a space for an encounter with faith in God. The time set aside in the school day provides staff and pupils with the opportunity to gather and support one another as a community.  As a Church of England school, the content of our worship is organised to:

• explore and reflect on the school’s vision and values by connecting the Christian Gospel to  the everyday lives of pupils and adults,
• celebrate all the major Christian festivals including Harvest, Christmas, Easter and Pentecost,
• be rooted in Bible teaching,
• use the school prayer, Lord’s prayer and other prayers written by pupils,
• be presented using a variety of styles and to include music, story, drama, enthusiastic singing, reflection and reverence in prayer time,
• offer the opportunity to all pupils and adults to grow spiritually through experiences of prayer, worship and reflection,
• enable pupils to develop skills through engaging in the planning, leading and evaluation of collective worship in ways that lead to improving practice.

Benefice Church Links

Strong relationships are fostered with the local churches and the Diocese of Gloucester, providing opportunities for collaboration and support.  The children visit Horton church for special services and celebrations.

Inclusive Environment

Whilst rooted in Christian values, we welcome students from all backgrounds and faiths, fostering an inclusive and respectful community.

Opportunities for Spiritual Development:

There are many opportunities for children to reflect and wonder during the school day, to grow in wisdom as well as knowledge and to think about how their learning impacts on their understanding of themselves, others, and the wider world.

Emotional Well-Being

This is paramount in all decision making and is a feature of school life. Parents, carers, staff and children describe our school as a “happy place” where there is mutual respect, care, forgiveness and reconciliation in the “school family”.

Religion and World Views

Religion and World Views is a core subject, exploring Christianity and other faiths in an objective and inclusive manner.  It promotes deep thinking and reflection.