Our Church Partnership

With God's guidance, sowing the seeds of success, nurturing and inspiring pupils and adults to flourish.

Rowde Primary Academy and St Matthew's Church have a long and valued partnership, reflecting the school's place at the heart of our village community. As a Church of England school, our Christian vision and values shape school life, and we are proud to work closely with the church to enrich the experiences of our children and strengthen our links with the wider community.

Throughout the year, we gather together in St Matthew's Church to celebrate key moments in the Christian calendar, including Harvest, Christmas, Easter and our Year 6 Leavers' Service. These occasions provide opportunities for reflection, celebration and worship as a whole school community. At the Leavers' Service, every Year 6 pupil is presented with a special book from the church as they prepare for the next stage of their journey.

We are grateful for the many members of the church community who regularly support school life. The Open the Book team visit twice each month to bring Bible stories to life through interactive storytelling, often involving the children in the performances. In addition, Reverend Norma Fergusson and Richard Fergusson visit every other week to lead Collective Worship, helping children explore how our worship themes connect with the Bible and Jesus' teachings in ways that are meaningful and relevant to their everyday lives.

Our partnership extends beyond worship. We regularly use St Matthew's Church to enrich the teaching of Christianity within Religious Education and to provide children with opportunities to experience the church as a place of worship, reflection and community. We also enjoy supporting and celebrating events within the church and wider village, sharing these opportunities with families through our newsletters and communications.

We are delighted that Frances Hall, a member of St Matthew's congregation, serves on our Academy Council. Frances plays an important role in strengthening the partnership between school and church, providing support, challenge and encouragement as we continue to develop as a flourishing Church of England school.

Our Christian vision, Learn • Grow • Love, inspired by Jesus' Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31–32), continues to guide everything we do. Alongside our six Christian values of Respect, Optimism, Wisdom, Determination, Enthusiasm and Love, our partnership with St Matthew's Church helps our children develop spiritually, serve their community and understand how faith can inspire people to make a positive difference in the world.