At Garstang St Thomas Church of England Primary School, our Christian character is at the heart of who we are. Our Christian vision and values shape our relationships, our curriculum and the way we live and learn together as a school community.
We seek to create an inclusive, loving and hopeful community in which every child and adult is valued, encouraged and enabled to flourish. Through learning, worship, reflection, prayer, service and opportunities for spiritual development, we encourage our children to grow in wisdom, hope, dignity and community and to recognise the difference they can make in the lives of others.
Our Christian Vision and Mission
Our Christian vision and mission provide the foundation for life at Garstang St Thomas. They express what we believe is important for our children, staff and wider community and guide the decisions we make and the way we live together.
Explore our Christian Vision and MissionÂ
Collective Worship
Collective worship is at the heart of our life together as a Church school. It is inclusive, invitational and inspirational, providing opportunities for pupils and adults to encounter Christian teaching, explore our vision and values, reflect, pray and consider how what we learn can shape the way we live.
Through whole-school, class and church worship, we celebrate together, encounter the teachings of Jesus and the Bible, consider important questions and provide space for reflection and spiritual growth.
Read our Collective Worship Policy
Spirituality & Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development
We believe that spiritual development is an important part of enabling every child and adult to flourish. We provide opportunities throughout school life for children to wonder, reflect, ask big questions, consider their relationships with themselves, others, the world and God, and think about how their experiences might influence the way they live.
Our shared approach to spirituality helps children to recognise these opportunities within worship, the curriculum and everyday life and gives them a language through which they can explore and express their thoughts, beliefs and experiences.
Our approach to Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development helps children grow as thoughtful, respectful and responsible members of their communities. It is woven throughout our curriculum, collective worship and wider school life.
Through SMSC, children are encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs and experiences, develop a strong moral understanding, appreciate and respect others, celebrate diversity and develop the confidence to make a positive contribution to society.
Religious Education
Religious Education has an important and distinctive place within our curriculum. Through high-quality RE, children develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and a range of religions and worldviews.
We encourage children to ask challenging questions, think deeply, explore different perspectives and develop respect and understanding for the beliefs and values of others. RE also provides rich opportunities for reflection and spiritual development.
Find out more about Religious Education on our curriculum page
Our Church – St Thomas’ Church, Garstang
We have a close and valued relationship with St Thomas’ Church. Rev Michael regularly leads worship in school, and our children and staff also worship and celebrate together in church throughout the year. Our church and school are all as one, working together to support our children and families, strengthen our Christian community and help everyone to flourish.
Visit the St Thomas’ Church Website
Living Out Our Vision
Our Christian vision is not simply something we display; it shapes the way we seek to live as a school community. Children are encouraged to put our mission and values into action through service, leadership, caring for others, supporting our local and wider communities and considering how they can make a positive difference in the world.
Together, our seven mission areas help us to live out our Christian vision each day, shaping who we are, how we treat one another and the choices we make.
If you would like to know more about Christian distinctiveness at Garstang St Thomas, please speak to Jim Blakely, our Headteacher, or Lois Taylor, our RE Subject Leader.
