Religious Life of the school

"Our Catholic school is united in God’s love, enabling everyone to grow in love for one another and to develop in faith. We strive for all children to achieve their best by becoming active and confident learners in a nurturing and caring environment. We guide everyone to shine in their own unique way."

Through the religious life of the school we aim to:

• ensure our school is a community of love and hope
• provide our children with an education which perceives life as a faith journey
• present a unique, clear vision of God, people and life, centered on Gospel values and reflective of the teaching of the Catholic Church whilst respecting and learning about and with other faiths
• observe the teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith and to ensure they remain relevant
• develop the full potential of all young people, leading to their life-long activities in the service of others and of God
• help the children to develop a sense of worth in themselves and others.
• help the children to develop the ability to communicate and express their feelings.
• help the children to take responsibility for themselves and their actions by co-operating with others as part of a school community.
• ensure that the children are aware of their place in the wider community.

Worship in school

We come together to pray every day, as a whole school, key stage or class. The liturgical year provides the framework for our worship and we reflect each week on Sunday’s Gospel reading. Each Friday morning are Key Stage Assemblies where we celebrate children’s achievements and progress and once a half term is a ‘Celebration Assembly’ where we all come together as a school and parents are invited.

For two days a week we have a Chaplain, Mrs Charnley, who supports with Worship around school; leading assemblies with our Worship Leaders, organising liturgies (such as prayers before school during Lent), preparing for Mass, teaching liturgical songs, supporting RE in classes and supporting with class Worship.

Our Parish Community

We are part of the Parish of St John XXIII along with:

• Christ the King High School
• English Martyr's Catholic Primary School
• St Ignatius' Primary School
• St Joseph's Primary School
• St Teresa's Primary School

Our Parish Priest, Fr Simon Hawksworth is based at St Joseph's Presbytery.

Due to the number of schools in our parish we are served in school by our neighbouring parish, St Wilfrid's. Classes regularly visit the church and Fr Chris celebrates Mass in school two or three times a term, tying into the liturgical year. 

Children from Year 3 upwards have the opportunity to make their First Holy Communion and Reconciliation with the rest of the children in the parish. Children in Year 6 have the opportunity to receive their Confirmation. We also join together as a parish for a service during Advent and one during Lent.

Liturgical Year

We also celebrate the Liturgical Year with:

• The Stations of the Crib with the children during Advent
• A 'Travelling Crib' going round the classes before Christmas with prayers and reflections
• Reception and Key Stage One performing wonderful Nativity plays
• Key Stage 2 leading a Carol Service with Readings
• The Stations of the Cross during Lent
• Lenten Prayers before School on Fridays in Lent
• Reconciliation Services
• An Easter Reflection service led by a class from Key Stage 2
• In the summer term we say goodbye to Year 6 with a Leavers’ Mass and Assembly.