Faith School
We greatly value our status as a Church in Wales Voluntary Aided primary school and are committed to continuing the strong links we have with the parish of Kerry and the Diocese of St. Asaph.
'The school’s link with the church and its faith leader is an outstanding feature.' Section 50 Inspection Report.
Collective Worship
An act of worship is held every day. Our parish priest Reverend Jeanette Wilkes takes weekly collective worship in school. Whole school services are lead by the Head teacher, Deputy Head, members of staff, Reverend Jeanette Wilkes and other visitors.
Pupils also participate in worship at St Michael’s Church each term; this includes Harvest Festival, a Nativity Service and a Christmas Carol Service as well as termly eucharist services for the juniors
The children play an active part in worship through readings, acting and singing and, in the time for reflection, can take a moment to think more deeply about the theme or thought for the day. Our worship reflects Anglican principles and the traditions of the Church in Wales.
‘'The positive relationships between staff and pupils are highly effective and are built on firm foundations of mutual trust, warmth, kindness and respect.’ Estyn Inspection report June 2022
Parents have the right to withdraw their child from Collective Worship and if this is your wish, you should inform the school in writing.
Religious Education
As a Voluntary Aided School, Religious Education is a compulsory part of our curriculum. The work we do is based on the Church in Wales Syllabus. The new R.E. core skills syllabus is taught through the following themes - the Bible, Jesus, the Church, Christian Life and Values, Other Faiths and Festivals. We regard Religious Education as an essential part of every pupil’s education entitlement, which extends understanding of the world in which they live.
Children are invited to reflect and respond to the Christian teaching and explore their feelings, attitudes and values as individuals and as members of the local community and wider society. They also learn about the attitudes and values of different communities and faiths. Children are encouraged to make use of the central Prayer Space and reflective areas in each classroom.
'The incorporation of spirituality/reflection areas in all classes is an excellent feature.' Section 50 Inspection Report.
As part of their work in R.E. the children often visit St. Michael’s Church for research purposes and to further their understanding of the Christian faith. This also includes taking part in church services lead by the school.
Parents have a right to withdraw their child from Religious Education lessons. As required by the Education Reform Act, parents should inform the Headteacher in writing at an early date if they wish to exercise this right, so that suitable alternative arrangements can be made.
To visit the website for the diocese of St. Asaph... (click here)
To visit the Church Schools Cymru website... (click here)
Our Community
Cynefin is one of the key building blocks of our curriculum here at St-Michales. Creating and sustaining links to our local community is so important to our school. Throughout the academic year we create many curriculum and extracurricular community links which include:
- Community harvest festival
- Christmas Productions
- Termly coffee afternoons
- VE Day community tea party
- Supporting our local football club as mascots on match days
- Creating links with the local bowls clubs for year 5 and 6
- Christingle festival
- Community Easter festivals
- Carol singing at the local event ‘Kerry Christmas lights’
- Stalls at the Village Christmas Fayre
- Community ‘Enterprise Event’
Friends of the School
We are delighted to have the support of the Friends of St. Michael’s and greatly appreciate their marvellous efforts on behalf of the school. Without their fundraising the school simply could not have afforded many of the fantastic resources the children use in lessons.
The Friends of St. Michael’s School is YOUR association. If you are a ‘new’ parent or an ‘old’ one please come along to the meetings and support any events. New faces and new ideas are always welcome and you will also have a better idea about what is needed in school and why you are often asked to contribute in one way or another to various events. It provides an invaluable social link between the parents and staff through involvement in activities.
The Governors and staff are indebted to the ‘Friends’; a large amount of equipment, educational resources and things such as subsidising the cost of school trips have all been provided over the years through their generosity and hard work.
Please get involved!
Secondary Schools
St-Michaels are part of the Newtown Cluster of schools. We regularly collaborate with all schools in the cluster and hold regular meetings and cluster INSET days to share ideas, work together and to continue ensuring continuity and progression for all our learners in the cluster and that all children that leave ST-Michael’s have a smooth transition into high school.