What is a Church of England School?

As a Church of England school within the Diocese of Winchester and Portsmouth, we are part of a long tradition of providing education that nurtures the whole child – academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

Being a church school means that our Christian vision and values help to shape the life of the school. We aim to create a welcoming, inclusive community where every child is valued, respected and encouraged to flourish. Our values guide the way we learn, work and care for one another, helping children to develop qualities such as kindness, honesty, courage, perseverance and compassion.

Church schools serve the whole community and welcome families of all faiths and none. While our Christian foundation influences our ethos, we celebrate diversity and encourage children to explore and understand different beliefs, cultures and worldviews. We want pupils to become thoughtful, respectful citizens who contribute positively to society.

As part of our daily life, children take part in collective worship, which provides opportunities for reflection, celebration and spiritual development. Religious Education is also an important part of the curriculum, helping children to learn about Christianity as well as other major world faiths and worldviews.

The Diocese of Winchester and the Diocese of Portsmouth work closely with church schools across Hampshire, providing support, guidance and opportunities for collaboration. Together, we are committed to ensuring that every child receives an excellent education and is inspired to achieve their potential.

At the heart of a church school is the belief that every child is unique, loved and capable of flourishing in an environment where learning, faith, respect and community are valued equally.

Our Christian Values

Our Christian values enable us to provide a rich and inclusive education where every member of our school family can flourish, creating and environment of excellence for all.

‘Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.’  1 Thessalonians 5:11

As our children reflect on our values: Love, Integrity, Forgiveness, Equality, they develop their 'moral compass', a strong understanding of right and wrong that will guide them through life.

‘So let’s choose for ourselves what is right.  Let’s learn together what is good.’ Job 34:4

Children are encouraged to be 'courageous advocates', to do their best and to make a positive difference through action, however small. We believe that if pupils leave us having established these four core building blocks, then we will have achieved our goal of giving children the strong foundations they need for their lives now and in the future. 

‘You show love for others by truly helping them, and not by merely talking about it.’ 1 John 3.

Church Partnership

The school has a very close relationship to our parish church, The Church of the Good Shepherd. The school vicar, Revd. Howard Wright, Youth and children's worker, Virginia, and Family Worker Jane Hughes work in partnership with the school by holding collective worship and supporting the Religious Education curriculum.

The Church also welcomes the whole school collective worship termly, as well as the church hosting special events in the school calendar.

Please click here https://www.goodshepherdfourmarks.org.uk/ to find out more about the Church of the Good Shepherd. 

Collective Worship

Collective worship at Four Marks CE Primary school provides opportunities for staff and children to:

• Reflect on their own lives, experiences, feelings and beliefs in a calm and supportive environment.
• Explore Christian values such as love, compassion, forgiveness, courage, hope, respect and service.
• Develop spiritually by considering life's big questions about meaning, purpose and identity.
• Learn about the teachings, stories and traditions of the Christian faith.
• Experience moments of stillness, prayer and reflection, while respecting the beliefs of all participants.
• Celebrate achievements, special events and key milestones within the school and wider community.
• Build a sense of belonging, unity and shared identity as members of the school community.
• Develop understanding, respect and appreciation for people of different faiths, beliefs and backgrounds.
• Consider moral and ethical issues, helping them to make thoughtful and responsible choices.
• Be inspired to live out positive values in their daily lives and contribute positively to their communities.

Central attributes of an act of worship

We endeavour to fulfil the following ‘central attributes’ of worship:

• Gathering - Making worship a special time of the day
• Engaging - Using the best available techniques to stimulate interest in the content
• Responding - Ensuring there is time and opportunity for individual, group reflection and thought, so those attending can respond in a variety of ways
• Sending - Summarising the worship in a meaningful short message used to create an opportunity for those attending to implement the ideas covered and to conclude the worship