Our Catholic School
The Catholic Life of the School
We are very proud that our school is named after Our Lady of the Rosary and we celebrate her throughout the year.
Our Religious Education Curriculum
As a Catholic School, we devote 10% of curriculum time to the teaching of Religious Education; this is separate from times of prayer and collective worship, such as assemblies, liturgies and class prayer which happen in addition to the taught curriculum.
At school we teach RE through the Dioceses of Portsmouth's 'God Matters' scheme of work, which fulfils the requirements of the Bishop's Conference and the Curriculum Directory for Religious Education, which sets forth the expectations for what should be covered by Religious Education teaching in Catholic Schools.
As well as covering the delivery of Catholic Education, 'God Matters' also contains the resources and units required for us to regularly teach children about other world religions, in order that they develop an appreciation for faith in a wider sense and are appreciative and respectful of the religious beliefs, practices and observances of others thus enabling them to be responsible and constructive members of the multi-cultural, multi-faith society in which they live.
Although preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are completed outside of school within the Parish community, during Year 3, the RE curriculum also supports children in this journey towards fuller participation in the Mass and the life of the Church.
See below for information on what we teach during the year.
The Liturgical Year
As an integral part of our Catholic ethos, all pupils are made aware, throughout the school year, of the changes and celebrations relating to the Church's Liturgical Year. These events are highlighted in our sacred space in our entrance hall at the Infants and in the downstairs hall at the Juniors and also in every classroom’s personal worship area. The children are aware of the liturgical changes with the changing colours of our cloths and displays.
Every phase attends a parish mass each term and there is a Whole School Mass at the beginning and end of every term when children, parents, staff and parishioners come together in St Joseph's Church to worship together in a pupil-led service. The pupils also attend mass on Holy Days of Obligation. |