Worship is a cornerstone of life at Harper Bell Seventh-day Adventist Primary School. Acts of daily worship are linked to our Christian faith and take the form of prayer, song, Bible readings and reflection. Each day starts with worship taking place in class and ends with whole-school worship. We also welcome SDA pastors into school once a week to lead whole-school worship, as well as visiting our local church throughout the year.
At Harper Bell religious education (RE) is at the heart of school-life and a highly valued academic subject that enables understanding of how religion and beliefs affect our lives. At the heart of RE in Harper Bell is the teaching of Christianity, rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Pupils from 4-11 explore the significant theological concepts within Christianity as part of developing their wider religious, theological and cultural literacy.
There is also a clear expectation that as an inclusive community, we encourage learning about and learning from other religions and foster respect for other religions and world views.
Key Documents: Religious Education
Withdrawal from Religious Education and Collective Worship
At Harper Bell Seventh-day Adventist School, Religious Education (RE) and collective worship are central to our ethos and daily life. Our teaching and worship reflect the values and beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and we warmly encourage all pupils to take part in these important aspects of school life.
We recognise, however, that parents and carers have the legal right, under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, to withdraw their child from some or all of RE and/or collective worship.
If you wish to exercise this right, please make a request in writing to the Headteacher, stating whether you wish your child to be withdrawn from the whole of RE or collective worship, or just specific elements. The school will make suitable arrangements for the supervision of any pupils who are withdrawn, but is not required to provide alternative curriculum work during this time.
We are always happy to meet with parents to discuss the content of our RE programme and collective worship, so that you can make an informed decision.