Our School Ethos and Values
All classes have taken an in depth look at the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the children have identified its key Gospel Values including love, reconciliation, service, compassion and forgiveness. The children have spent time learning how they can apply these values to their daily lives.
One of the core messages from the parable is that we are nurtured through God’s love, helping us to be the best version of ourselves. Every day in school, we challenge and support the children to do their best; they are reminded that there is only one standard at More Park: their best.
This not only applies to academic standards, but to all aspects of school life i.e. being the best friend they can be, doing their best for the environment or their local community etc.
To help embed this fundamental principle into the life of the school we consulted with all stakeholders and added the following strap line to our mission statement:
With God's love, we can be our best
Catholic Ethos
During their time at time More Park, the children are in a school with a strong Catholic ethos. Through lessons, prayer and liturgy, they are able to explore the life of God and develop their spirituality.
The children are given different opportunities to reflect and show their understanding of religion which include; daily acts of worships, masses, assemblies and visits to our church.
We are very fortunate to have Saint Thomas More Church next to our school. We regularly join the local congregation and attend mass. Our Parish Priest, Father Donatus, helps and guides the children in their religious journey through penitential services, the sacrament of reconciliation and class talks.
Gospel Values
At the beginning of each academic year, children from across the school come together with Father Donatus to discuss and decide upon the Gospel Values for the year. They talk about the values, their meaning and how they relate to the liturgical year. Each term, the school explores a different Gospel Value and through liturgy, prayer and lessons, children discuss and reflect on what the Gospel Value means to them and how they are able to act it out in their daily life.
The Gospel Values are the teachings of Jesus that guide how we live and treat one another each day. They are rooted in the message of the Gospel.
These values help children to grow not only academically but also spiritually and morally, encouraging them to care for others, make positive choices and live out their faith in everyday life.
Each term there is a different focus for these values:
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What do children think of Religious Education at More Park School?
“Through learning about God, I know I can help my friends and family.” - Pupil, year 3
“Through my Religious Education learning, I now want to be an inspirational person” - Pupil, year 5
“Through my learning, Jesus has taught me that I need to be kind” - Pupil, year 2
“I really enjoy praying, I feel closer to God” - Pupil, year 4
“I like the questions that we are given.” - Pupil, year 5
“I like having a candle in RE, as Jesus is the light of the world and Jesus is with us.” - Pupil, year 1
“I enjoying learning about God” - Pupil, Year 2
“I enjoy reading passages in the Bible” - Pupil, year 6
“I like learning about people’s acts of kindness” - Pupil, year 5
“I enjoy learning about religion as it challenges me” - Pupil, year 3
Liturgical Performances
Each year, our children take part in special liturgical performances that bring key moments of the Christian story to life. Our Key Stage 1 pupils joyfully celebrate the birth of Jesus through a Nativity performance, while Year 4 lead a reverent Crowning of Mary, honouring her as the Mother of God. In Year 6, pupils present a thoughtful Passion Play, helping them and the wider community to reflect on the events of Holy Week and the great love Jesus showed for us all.
Useful Documents
Catholic School Inspection Report July 2023
St Thomas More Parish West Malling