Christian Distinctiveness

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 10, v.10


Trinity Anglican Methodist Primary School was created on a Christian foundation based on a partnership between the Anglican and Methodist Churches in Portishead and North Somerset in 2008.

Our Churches

In March 2016, the school joined the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust (BWMAT). This partnership is based on shared Christian values and high- quality support and challenge; it allows a rich collaboration with other schools across two other local authorities. Please check out the BWMAT website for more information https://www.bwmat.org/

Trinity School also benefits from close links with the Diocese of Bath and Wells and the Methodist Academies and Schools Trust (MAST).

See links below:

Methodist Academies and Schools Trust (MAST)

Diocese of Bath and Wells

Our Christian foundation is very much based on the Church of England’s Vision for education: Deeply Christian, Serving the Common Good

Our Ethos Statement

Recognising its historic foundation, our school seeks to preserve and develop its Christian character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and Methodist Church in partnership with the Church at parish, circuit, diocesan, district, national and international level. As part of the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust, we seek to bring fullness of life to all pupils, whatever the beliefs of the children or their families. Our school is an inclusive and welcoming community where individuals are valued, good order is respected and relationships cherished. A sense of belonging is encouraged to improve lives and boldly expect the impossible. We aim to serve our community by working in partnership with others, to provide an education of the highest quality where excellence in its widest sense is pursued. A skilfully delivered and coherently planned broad, rich, deep and relevant creative curriculum brings mind and heart, intellect and passion together. Within the context of Christian belief and practice, we encourage an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and promote Christian values through the experience we offer to all our pupils.

Our School Vision and Values

Our Aims

To be a strong, well informed team where everyone feels valued, supported and safe as well as reflective and motivated to keep abreast of educational and Church educational thinking - thereby eager to refine practice and plan for continual improvement.

Work in partnership with the wider community here and further afield to provide a rich learning culture; this includes for example, governors, parents and carers, links with external agencies, local Anglican and Methodist churches, Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust and the ZA Foundation in Africa.
Provide a wide range of learning experiences within an ambitious, relevant, creative and engaging curriculum and variety of extra-curricular activities. In this way, we plan to enthuse all learners, particularly the most disadvantaged, to come to school as well as meet their individual needs and initiate, challenge, deepen and consolidate learning across the curriculum and in RE, to achieve the highest possible standards and give children the cultural capital they need to succeed in life.
Deliver high quality teaching, coherent and well sequenced planning and accurate assessment which encourages children to take responsibility for their own learning and choices so that they develop knowledge and independence as learners with a growth mind-set and are able to answer and ask challenging questions.
Recognise and appreciate the individuality of every child and to value, praise and reward their efforts and courageous contributions to all aspects of school life.
Provide an atmosphere of trust, respect and care for all through our Christian, Trust and British values thereby promoting our distinctive Christian character and all kinds of equality and mutual understanding. There are realistic and constructive strategies to manage staff including their workload
Give children the opportunity to develop a sense of awe, wonder and curiosity for the world around them as well as developing an understanding and appreciation of the world, its needs, concerns and their contribution as active citizens within it. Hold daily acts of invitational, inclusive, inspiring collective worship so children can grow spiritually and appreciate the relevance of Christian teaching and faith in today’s world.
Promote children’s personal, moral, spiritual, social and emotional skills within a caring and positive context with a view to giving children confidence, resilience, hope and aspiration as well as a secure foundation for their future.
Be responsible in providing a secure and quality environment so that children are safe, protected, happy and inspired at school as well as being confident and well equipped to face challenges. Children are treated with dignity and respect so in turn understand, respect and celebrate difference and diversity.
Make effective provision for PE and sport across the school as we believe it is key to developing children’s physical and emotional health and well-being.
Ensure our school runs efficiently, economically and safely. It will be well ordered with good communication systems in order to provide a high- quality learning environment for children’s all -round health and achievement.

Worship

At Trinity Anglican Methodist Primary School, worship time is a cherished part of our daily rhythm, bringing our school community together in reflection, joy, and shared values. Each day offers something special: Mondays begin with uplifting singing worship led by our wonderful Music Lead; Tuesdays focus on our school community and the values that shape us; Wednesdays are guided by the Clergy, who help us explore the liturgical seasons; and Thursdays feature Open the Book, Roots, or Shoots, linking Bible stories to our Christian values. We end every week with a joyful Friday celebration, honouring the children’s achievements and learning. Together, these moments help nurture faith, togetherness, and a strong sense of belonging.

Religious Education

At Trinity school, we aim to provide an inclusive progressive education in RE. We follow a whole school overview that is planned from the AMV and Understanding Christianity frameworks. Children in nursery through to year 6 will build upon their learning and understanding year on year. This learning is linked closely to the British values reflecting that all children are unique and learn in different ways. The children are better equipped to understand the views of others. This understanding will lead to respect and tolerance of those who have a different point of view. This will be part of their lifelong journey as local, national, and global citizens. It will also provide children with the skills needed to in their future and help them as long-life learners beyond Trinity.

RE is a necessary part of a ‘broad and balanced curriculum’ and must be provided for all registered pupils in state-funded schools in England. It is compulsory for all pupils in academies. RE is multi-faith and recognises the place of Christianity and the other principal religions in the UK. Non-religious worldviews are included.

This requirement does not apply to pupils below compulsory school age (although there are many examples of good practice of RE in nursery classes).

Parents have the right to withdraw their child(ren) from RE or part of RE and can do so without giving any explanation. Parents can only withdraw their child(ren) from RE, not other curriculum areas. For example, pupils can’t be withdrawn from a study of religious art in an art lesson, or parts of the history curriculum such as the study of Christian conversions.

/docs/RE_Planning_Overview.pdf

Spirituality

Spirituality Statement

At Trinity Anglican Methodist Primary School, we believe that spirituality is the developing sense of meaning, purpose, and connection that helps each person understand themselves, others, the world, and God. Rooted in our Anglican and Methodist heritage, we nurture a community where every child and adult is encouraged to explore big questions, experience awe and wonder, and grow in character and faith.

Our school values; resilience, respect, compassion, responsibility, hope, and courage shape our spiritual life together. Through worship, learning, everyday interactions, and reflective practices, we help children make sense of their experiences, recognise beauty and goodness, and understand how Christian teaching can guide the way we live.

Spirituality at Trinity is not confined to one space or subject; it is woven throughout the whole life of the school. We encourage moments to pause, reflect, question, celebrate, and discover. In doing so, we help children develop an inner strength and openness that supports emotional wellbeing, moral development, and a deepening relationship with God.

The Window–Mirror–Door Approach to Spirituality

To ensure a consistent, accessible approach to spirituality across the school, Trinity uses the well‑known Window–Mirror–Door model:

Window – Learning about Life and Faith

Children look outward to notice the world around them, encounter new ideas, explore stories, and see moments of awe and wonder.
This is the “What do I see?” moment.

Mirror – Reflecting on Experience

Children look inward, thinking about their own feelings, beliefs, questions, and responses.
This is the “What does this mean for me?” moment.

Door – Responding and Living Out

Children consider how they might act, change, or respond based on what they have seen and reflected on.
This is the “What will I do differently?” moment.

This simple, child‑friendly structure supports spiritual development in collective worship, RE lessons, outdoor learning, values sessions, and everyday moments of conversation and discovery.

/docs/Spirituality_at_Trinity.pdf

Clergy Involvement

Reception Blessing

To welcome our new Reception children, Reverend Tonya and Reverend Nick visited Trinity to share a special blessing. Together, they brought the story of Noah’s Ark to life, acting it out with the children, singing joyful songs, and creating a memorable experience.

Each child received bubbles and a beautiful rainbow pencil as a symbol of welcome from Trinity and our church community. It was a wonderful way to begin their journey with us, filled with faith, fun, and friendship.