Catholic Life of our Junior School

We take pride in the prayerful way our children conduct themselves each day, and in their growing understanding of prayer as an encounter with the Lord. Prayer and Collective Worship are central to the daily life of our school and underpin everything we do.

Year 3 is an important year for our children, as the majority receive formation in their parishes in preparation for receiving the Blessed Sacrament for the first time. They are supported in school through the ‘Come and See’ programme, as they deepen their understanding of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Blessed Eucharist.

In Year 4, children begin to take on greater responsibility for liturgy and Collective Worship. They plan, rehearse and present the Nativity to the rest of the school, interpreting the Gospel accounts of the Nativity of the Lord and combining these into a shared narrative that supports the prayer and reflection of the school community.

In Year 5, children are encouraged to look outward to the wider community and to share their faith through action. As part of the Mini Vinnies initiative, children work for social justice and are given opportunities to reflect on how they live out Gospel values. Older children are also encouraged to engage respectfully with other faith communities within our neighbourhood.

In Year 6, children become leaders in faith and take responsibility for leading prayer and celebration. Year 6 pupils regularly proclaim the Gospel during Collective Worship, support the celebration of others’ achievements and take a central role in leading the whole school community in the Leavers’ Mass each July.

The pattern of the week ensures that all children engage in prayer and reflection daily through planned and purposeful Collective Worship.

Each Monday, the Head of School leads whole-school Collective Worship, rooted in the Liturgical Year. The opening prayer for the week is led by children from Years 3 and 4, and together the school asks Mary, the Patron of our school, to intercede for us. The theme reflects on the previous Sunday’s Gospel and challenges children to live out Gospel values in the week ahead.

On Tuesdays, the school gathers for a simple Liturgy, followed by hymn practice as part of our Collective Worship. Children are encouraged to reflect on the meaning of the hymns and their connection to the Church’s year or the school’s current focus. Teaching assistants plan and lead these sessions, supporting children to praise God through song.

On Wednesdays, a class teacher leads Collective Worship focused on themes drawn from Religious Education or PSHE. This takes place on a rota, ensuring that children experience prayer and reflection led by a range of staff.

Each Thursday, one class prepares and leads Collective Worship for the rest of the school, including prayer, praise and reflection. Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend, with dates shared in advance through the weekly newsletter. These celebrations alternate with a weekly Liturgy, also open to parents. Children are actively involved in planning and leading these acts of worship.

Every Friday, the school gathers for Celebration Collective Worship, led by the Head Boy and Head Girl. The Gospel for the forthcoming Sunday is proclaimed by Year 6 pupils, followed by a reflection led by the Head of School or a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Children’s achievements are celebrated, and birthdays from the week are acknowledged as part of our shared community life.

Our School Council plays a key role in reaching out to the wider community and supporting children in taking responsibility for their faith journey. Each September, children vote for representatives from their class, considering which pupils are best able to serve others, support community initiatives and contribute to the spiritual life of the school.

Members of the School Council learn that communication is a shared responsibility. They are encouraged to listen attentively to others and to support their peers in bearing witness to their faith through words and actions.