Our school has a distinctively Christian character and ethos which is central to our school vision statement:
All are inspired to achieve their full potential within our loving community of life-long learners where EVERYONE is valued, EVERY CHANCE is provided for all to flourish in the security of God’s love and EVERY DAY brings the enjoyment of life in all its fullness
Christian values underpin all that we do inside school and how we treat each other.
At East Morton, “Love” is our core value and it is from love which all of our six key values flow: Hope, Justice, Community, Peace, Wisdom and Generosity. The Christian distinctiveness is explicit and implicit throughout school life, relationships and the curriculum. All members of the school community experience Christianity through the life of the school, as well as through the taught curriculum.
To find out more about the underpinning of our vision and values click here.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious Education is a core subject at our school and is taught weekly in every class.
East Morton’s commitment to its vision guides decisions on Religious Education provision, as it is integral to foster dignity and respect. As a Church of England school, Christianity forms a main theme in Religious Education lessons, however we ensure that we foster an understanding of different worldviews. Celebrating religious diversity fosters respect for others, aligning with RE entitlement statements. Our RE curriculum is enhanced by experiential learning, including visits and visitors. Our children learn to appreciate different worldviews and develop a deeper understanding of their own beliefs and practices. Our RE lessons follow a curriculum that equips learners to live tolerant, respectful and balanced lives. We provide learning opportunities across three core elements ‘Making sense of beliefs, ‘Understanding the impact’, and ‘Making connections’ designed to help our children to encounter core concepts in religions and beliefs in a coherent way, developing their understanding and their ability to hold balanced and informed conversations about religions and beliefs.
COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
At East Morton, Collective Worship is integral, fostering community and Christian fellowship through active pupil involvement in leading and participating in worship. Music, central to worship, engages children with songs and choir performances, while partnerships with clergy and organisations enhance provision.
Structured worship sessions include prayer, reflection, and traditional elements, fostering respect and reverence among children. Special events like Candlemas service offer calmness and space for personal reflection. Worship promotes faith in action through reflections connecting themes to daily life and inclusive dialogue about spirituality, respecting diversity. Our Collective Worship draws on Christian teachings and beliefs whilst being mindful of children’s wider beliefs and non-beliefs. Worship is inclusive and invitational- it is delivered in a way that enables all members of the school community to feel able to be part of the experience.
WORSHIP COUNCIL
We have an active Worship Council comprising children from our Key Stage 2 classes. Please visit our ‘Pupil Parliament‘ page for further details.
Around Our School
We have changing displays around the school, showcasing different elements of the curriculum and demonstrating the importance of Christianity. Each class has its own RE display outside their classroom. Our entrance lobby has a stone cross which originates from the belfry of the Morton National School (1845-1976) when it was located on what is now the village green and our internal lobby has a specially commissioned wooden cross which incorporates our values logos.
The School Hall has an altar table, on which candles and a cross are placed. A worship table and display are found within each classroom, containing items for class based worship, the current theme, responses and prayers. Collective worship responses are in a class scrapbook which is displayed.
Outside our school we have a beautiful Spiritual garden which can be used for outdoor prayer and reflection. Seating arrangements allow for class or small group worship opportunities.
On our playground we have a prayer labyrinth which the children can use to reflect and pray.
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