What makes a Church School different?
As a Church of England school and part of the Diocese of Hereford, our Christian vision and values influence all that we do as we aim to enable all of our children to be the very best version of themselves and provide an education that enables pupils to ‘life in all its fullness’. We serve the needs of all faiths and none, and are open to children and parents/carers from across the community, regardless of background, perspective, religion or culture.
Our vision is woven into all aspects of school life and is further embedded through of core Christian values of compassion, friendship, joy, thankfulness, wisdom and courage.
We have close connections with our local Church and Reverend Ernest Okeke regularly lead acts of Worship for the children both at Holy Trinity and here in school.
Collective Worship
Collective worship is the unique heartbeat of Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge C of E Primary as a Church school and is a time each day in which we develop a sense of pride in belonging to our school community, when we explore moral and spiritual values in an act of worship and teach the principles of our Christian faith. We also use Collective Worship time to explore global and local issues and events, supporting children in forming and voicing their views and in becoming courageous advocates for change when they see injustice in the world.
During Collective Worship, pupils are welcomed using read and respond words that remind them of the Holy Trinity and our reasons for coming together to worship as a school community. Collective Worship takes on many forms and can be led by children and adults alike, but it will ordinarily include prayer and a moment for quiet reflection and contemplation.
Our Roots and Fruits Collective Worship sessions are centred around a Bible story or scripture, which links to the core Christian values. We are lucky enough to also have Rev. Ernest Okeke from Holy Trinity Church, join us on the first Wednesday of every month.
Our Local Church
We are very proud of our status as a Church of England school and our close relationship with our local church. Our local vicar, Rev. Ernest Okeke regularly visits school and takes part in our Collective Worship across the year.
As well as this, we regularly visit Holy Trinity Church as a whole school, in year groups, or smaller groups of pupils as appropriate.
Throughout the year, each year group has the opportunity to immerse themselves into the different Christian celebrations by taking part in Experience Harvest, Experience Christmas and Experience Easter workshops, led by our friends at All Saints
Further information about our local church can be found here: Holy Trinity, Coalbrookdale – A Church Near You
Hereford Diocese
As a Church school, we work closely with Holy Trinity Church, together at the heart of the Church’s mission to the community.
In offering an invitation to children and young people from all backgrounds to participate in a Christian community, we can provide a real experience of God’s love for all humanity.
We are very fortunate to have members of the clergy on our governing board, and to have clergy present in school leading worship, completing pastoral visits and supporting pupils and staff in other ways.
The best church-school partnerships are where the bridge between the two communities is two-way. Where the school is actively involved in the life of the church, and where the congregation see the school as part of their community and is involved in the life of the school too.
The Education Team at the Diocese of Hereford work closely with the diocesan mission and ministry teams, to support the church and school to work together. We are also fortunate to access a range of staff training through our Partnership Agreement with the Diocese.
Further information about the Diocese of Hereford can be found here: Diocese of Hereford (anglican.org)
Our Churches
The Church of England: Education & Schools
The Church of England: Valuing All God’s Children (publication)