What does it mean to be a church school?
St Mary’s is a church school. We have established links with the three parishes of Shawbury, Moreton Corbet and Stanton. Our status is “voluntary controlled” which means that we are “controlled” by the Local Authority (Shropshire) as well as having a link with the parish.
Currently, St Mary’s Church is in a period of interregnum.
Pastor Rob (Visiting member of clergy) leads monthly worship and we celebrate termly whole community events at St Mary’s Church.
We teach half termly values in collective worship. Our daily worship times give all children some experience of stillness as well as time to think, talk and celebrate achievements. In addition, we use Picture News resources for collective worship. This gives the opportunity for children to learn about themselves and the world we live in as well as developing respect for other’s beliefs, feelings and faiths. It encourages exploration, discussion and challenge through a current news story and thought-provoking questions. We believe it brings the world closer to children’s everyday lives.
Picture News links to a Christian value, and to our Big Frieze, as well as relevant Bible stories and verses, talk time, reflection and prayers. We also discuss the link to our British values and UN Rights of a Child.
What is a church school?
Please follow the link below to find out more about being a church school.
What is a Church of England School A4 (1)
Roles and Responsibilities
As established by the Education Reform Act 1988 s9(3) and reinforced through this policy, parents have the right to withdraw their children from Collective Worship. However, having chosen to send their children to St Mary’s, it is hoped that no one will exercise this right. Should such a situation arise, appropriate arrangements would be made in keeping with the requirements of the Act.