ST MARY'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

Catholic Life                                            

This is a Catholic school which seeks to live out the values of Jesus Christ. We promote these values by our words and deeds, and Catholic doctrine and practice therefore permeates every aspect of the school's activity. We provide a curriculum which is broad and balanced, recognising that every pupil is unique and is created in the image of God (Gen 1:27). Our curriculum is designed to enable every pupil to discern their vocation and to be well equipped to follow it as active citizens in service to the world. Catholic Religious Education is the 'core of the core curriculum' (Pope St John Paul II) and the foundations of the entire educational process. We also provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities and strong pastoral support. We incorporate democratic principles, value the rule of law, support individual liberty and foster a community in which different faiths and beliefs are respected. 

At St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, our Gospel assemblies serve as a guiding light, instilling in both students and staff a clear sense of purpose in living out our Catholic faith on a weekly basis. These gatherings, whether in the form of liturgies or assemblies, seamlessly thread through the tapestry of our liturgical calendar, allowing us to celebrate the rich tapestry of the Church's life, honour the saints, and commemorate significant annual events like Harvest, Remembrance, and Mothering Sunday. These meaningful gatherings can take shape in various settings, from small groups and individual classes to key stage reflections and school-wide celebrations. We place great emphasis on student involvement, encouraging them to actively participate in planning, delivering, and overseeing these sacred rituals.

Our commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals extends to Relationships and Health Education, which is formally integrated into all classes through the Tenten resource 'Life to the Full.' We also seamlessly weave these important teachings into subjects such as Physical Education, Science, and Religious Education.

Our school community benefits from the guidance of our dedicated parish priest, Father Eugene. He collaborates closely with our school staff and families to prepare our students for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, as well as celebrating weekly Parish mass at school

Embracing diversity and promoting cultural understanding is integral to our school's ethos. We take pride in educating our students about various religions and cultures, fostering an environment of respect and empathy through open dialogues and shared experiences. This commitment to embracing different beliefs and traditions extends beyond our school gates, as our students actively engage with the wider local community, fostering a spirit of unity and respect.

Prayer and Liturgy

Prayer and worship hold a central place in the Catholic faith. Recognising the significance of welcoming God's presence and magnifying, praising, and honouring His name, we strive to deepen our connection with Him and embody the teachings of Jesus Christ through prayer. At St. Mary's, we allocate specific time each day to collectively and individually engage in acts of prayer and worship in alignment with the goals outlined in this policy.

Click here to view our Collective Worship policy

Click here to view our Catholic Life and Mission document

At St Mary's, children and adults are allowed to guide and join in daily worship sessions. We actively promote the involvement of all staff members, including Support Staff, in contributing to the planning and leadership of collective worship for the children.

For more information about our daily prayers, click the link below.