Our Christian Distinctiveness in the Anglican Tradition
Shorne Church of England Primary School’s Christian distinctiveness is clearly grounded in Anglican tradition, with a theological vision shaped by the teachings of Jesus, particularly the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). This vision, expressed through the phrase Love, Learn, Live, is underpinned by our core Christian values of Resilience, Community, and Respect. These values are not only biblically rooted but are also lived out daily in our school’s relationships, curriculum, worship, and community engagement.
Drawing on the Anglican emphasis on scripture, reason, and tradition, we use the Parable of the Good Samaritan to explore complex moral and theological ideas in accessible and relevant ways. This parable guides us in fostering a culture of compassion, justice, and service; all central to the Anglican understanding of human dignity and social responsibility. By modelling the Samaritan’s unconditional care for someone different from himself, we encourage pupils to break down social and cultural barriers, mirroring the inclusive love of Christ.
In line with the Church of England’s Vision for Education, our school promotes life in all its fullness (John 10:10), nurturing each child not only academically but also spiritually and emotionally. We embed our Christian vision in practical ways that reflect Anglican distinctiveness:
- Resilience is fostered through courageous perseverance in learning and character development, supported by a faith-led community.
- Community is cultivated through collective worship, pastoral care, and inclusive school practices, embodying the Church’s call to live in fellowship.
- Respect is shown through valuing every person as made in the image of God, reinforcing Anglican principles of equality and dignity.
Our commitment to living with open hearts and minds reflects the Anglican tradition of encouraging theological curiosity, respectful dialogue, and openness to the work of the Holy Spirit in the diversity of God’s creation. Worship follows the liturgical rhythms of the Anglican Church, enriched by our strong partnership with St. Peter and St. Paul Church, and shaped by the church calendar, prayer, and sacramental life.
We know our vision is bearing fruit through:
- Pupil and staff feedback that consistently reflects how individuals feel seen, supported, and inspired by the school’s Christian ethos;
- Evidence of flourishing, seen in pupils’ academic progress, moral courage, and compassionate action;
- Deep engagement with the wider community, where our outreach and charitable efforts embody the call to “love our neighbour” in tangible ways.
Our school’s place within the Aletheia Academies Trust further enhances our Anglican identity, allowing us to collaborate with other Church schools in living out a shared Christian mission. The Trust’s overarching vision supports holistic growth, spiritual development, and courageous advocacy; values that are deeply consistent with our own.
Through all of this, Shorne Church of England Primary School maintains a clear and authentic Christian distinctiveness, firmly rooted in the Anglican tradition and visibly reflected in the lived experiences of pupils, staff, and the wider school community.
Collective Worship
At Shorne Church of England Primary School, Collective Worship is a vital part of our daily life and plays a central role in nurturing our school’s Christian character. Guided by our vision to Love, Learn, Live, worship provides a sacred space for our community to come together, reflect, and grow both spiritually and morally. It helps us root our daily experiences in the teachings of Jesus, particularly those found in the parable of the Good Samaritan, which inspires us to act with compassion, serve others, and embrace those who are different from us.
Our acts of worship are planned using materials from the Rochester Diocese, woven together with carefully chosen Bible passages and themes that directly link to our school values of Resilience, Community, and Respect. Each week, pupils and staff engage in thoughtful reflection on how these values help us to live with open hearts and minds, build positive relationships, and respond with courage and kindness in both success and challenge.
Worship is led by staff, our pupil Faith Leaders, and regularly by our local vicar, Revd Ted Hurst, strengthening our connection with St. Peter and St. Paul Church and the wider Anglican tradition. Weekly Choral Worship allows the school community to express faith through joyful song, while our Celebration Worship highlights children who are ‘Shining Stars’ – not just for academic progress, but for living out our Christian values and making a difference in the lives of others.
The impact of Collective Worship is felt deeply by both pupils and adults. It provides space for stillness, wonder, prayer, and spiritual growth, encouraging everyone to consider their actions, their beliefs, and their responsibility to others. Pupils are empowered to lead, reflect, and engage meaningfully with questions of faith, justice, and identity. Staff, too, are supported in their own spiritual journey and in modelling Christian distinctiveness in everyday life.
In all these ways, our worship life is a living expression of our school vision—a time where we grow in love, deepen in learning, and live out our faith in community with one another.
See our Collective Worship policy for more information.
Religious Education
Religious Education is taught in accordance with both the ‘Understanding Christianity’ scheme of work 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. Each of our classrooms has a Reflection Area, supporting pupils to explore their faith and spirituality through reflection.
See our Religious Education page for more information.
Faith Leaders
Our Faith Leaders play an important role in demonstrating the spiritual aspects of our school day and learning. They lead their classes in Collective Worship, modelling respect during acts of worship and delivering prayers during worship and at lunchtimes. The Faith Leaders also play an important role when we are at church, leading and supporting to ensure services are well-led.
To find out more about our current Faith Leaders, please visit the Pupil Leadership page here
Our Church
Shorne Church of England Primary School has strong links with St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church in Shorne. We hold a range of services at the church for Harvest, Christmas, Easter, and at the end of the school year for our Year 6 leavers. Parents are welcome to attend these services. There are also other opportunities for individual classes to visit the church as part of our RE curriculum.
For more information about St Peter and St Paul’s Church, please visit their website.
In January 2017 Revd Ted Hurst became the vicar. He was ‘instituted’ by the Right Revd. James Langstaff, Bishop of Rochester, on January 5th. We are pleased to have Revd Ted on our Local Governing Body. Ted has been actively involved in ministry for over 35 years. He has worked for many churches as a Children’s, Youth, and Families worker and also as the Children’s Officer for the Diocese of Canterbury. He has also worked as a chaplain in hospitals and the prison service. Ted was Ordained in 2011 and served his curacy in the Parish of South Gillingham before moving to Shorne.
Our School Prayer
Dear God,
Teach us to love our neighbour, learn from the Good Samaritan, and live with open hearts and minds.
Guide us to grow within the community, show respect to everyone and be resilient when things are challenging.
Amen.