The teachings of the Catholic Church underpin everything at St Mary's. There are daily opportunities for prayer and worship, where children learn the traditional prayers as well as being encouraged to develop their own prayer life. There is no requirement for children to be Catholic to attend St Mary's. Children can have a different faith, or have no faith at all. They are simply introduced to what it means to have a faith and are encouraged to ask questions, to be curious and to reflect on their personal spiritual or faith journey. There are daily Acts of Worship; some planned more formally and many completely designed and led by the children. Father Michael is the Parish Priest and regularly visits the school for these events. He leads liturgies, where scripture is celebrated in a child-friendly and age-appropriate way.
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Canonical Inspection
Our last S48 inspection was in November 2018. Judgments and grades were made in the following areas:
Over-all effectiveness: Outstanding Grade 1
The school as a catholic community: Outstanding Grade 1
Leadership and management: Outstanding Grade 1
Word (Curriculum RE): Good Grade 2
Worship and spiritual life of the school: Outstanding Grade 1
Gospel Values
There are 8 values, based on the Beatitudes in Matthew's Gospel. They are explored and practiced every day in school, in order for every child and adult to be the best person they can be, following the teachings of Jesus.
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Humility - seeing life as a gift
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Compassion - having empathy
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Kindness - gentleness
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Justice - working for a fairer world
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Forgiveness - reconciling with self and others
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Integrity - do what you say
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Peace - committed to peace making and non-violence
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Courage - standing up for the truth
Prayer and Worship at St Mary's
At St Mary's, pupils have an active prayer and worship life. Prayer and Worship will take place daily as follows:
Monday - Whole school Celebration of the Word at 9.00amĀ
Tuesday - Class worship (Reflection Diary)
Wednesday - Prayer and Praise (where we sing our favourite hymns)
Thursday - Celebration of Virtues Assembley led by Miss Teixeira - children receive certificates for displaying our school virtues
Friday - Class Worship
Daily - Morning, lunchtime and home-time prayers
Parents are warmly invited to attend our Monday Celebration of the Word and any special services throught the year.
We also hold a range of special celebrations and liturgies, including our EYFS/KS1 Nativity and KS2 Carol Service at the end of the Autmn term, the annual Harvest, Advent and Lent Liturgies, the Ash Wednesday service in our parish church and many other school and parish events.
