Being a Church School
What is our Christian Vision?
Through our core Christian values of love, respect and courage, we aim for our children to feel love for themselves, for others and the world around them; to be brave, knowing that mistakes are expected, respected and part of learning; to understand they have the power to make a positive contribution to God’s world.
What is a Church of England School?
Church of England Schools are, in the main, community schools guided by Christian principles and serving the needs of the local area. As with all maintained schools in England they:
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Teach Religious Education in line with the locally agreed syllabus
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Hold acts of collective worship every day
What is distinctive about Whitewater Church of England Primary School?
Our school has Christian beliefs and values at its heart. This means that every child and adult associated with the school is considered important not only because they are members of the school but also because they are seen as unique individuals within God's creation.
Whitewater Church of England Primary School welcomes everyone – Christian families, as well as families of all faiths and none. We seek to give all our pupils an opportunity to reflect on Christianity and other world faiths and to know what it is like to live in a faith community. We have strong links with Rotherwick Church and with Winchester Cathedral. We observe the major Christian festivals such as Christmas and Easter by holding a school service led by our local clergy in the church itself, and we make sure that those of other faiths are able and encouraged to mark their major festivals too.
We recognise the spiritual aspects of life, and nurture these alongside children’s academic and emotional needs. Children are encouraged to discuss their views and to respect the views of others. We encourage challenge through questioning as through this we can make sense of the world, the gift of life and the purpose of our own personal lives.
As a pupil, parent, visitor or member of staff you should find that the way the school works is different and distinctive. That distinctive difference is rooted in our Christian values: love, respect and courage.
Please see the links below to visit our local Church and more information on being part of a Church of England school.