Catholic Life and Mission
Our Faith
As a Catholic school, Jesus Christ remains central to every aspect of school life. All pupils are educated in the beliefs and devotional practices of the Catholic Church.
The importance of prayer is evident throughout school. The children are encouraged to learn set prayers for the beginning and end of the school day, together with grace before and after meals and traditional prayers of the Catholic Church. Parental support in promoting prayer is very much appreciated. Participation in daily collective act of worship remains at the helm of every morning and afternoon session, within RE lessons and at the end of each day. Every class in Key stage 1 and Key Stage 2 prepares and leads Mass throughout the year, with parents, families and parishioners warmly welcomed. Children plan, lead and participate in special liturgies during the school year which are linked to our Catholic virtues or are timed to coincide with events in the Church’s calendar.
The Catholic RE scheme ‘Living and Growing as the People of God’ is followed throughout the school. This is supplemented by work on the saints and stories from the Old and New Testaments, Circle time sessions and Personal, Social and Health Education.
Celebrating the sacraments is a vital part of nurturing the children’s faith. Our parish priest, Father Eric Kemball, works closely with school staff and families, to help prepare year 3 pupils for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, whilst pupils in Year 6 prepare for Confirmation. We really appreciate the support of parents in Year 3 and Year 6, through retreat, celebration and parents' meetings. In this way the home, school and parish work very closely together in partnership.
All pupils learn about other religions and cultures and are encouraged to show respect and acknowledgement for the beliefs of others through open discussion and shared experiences. This is reflected through the involvement of pupils, both within school and the wider local community.
During Lent and Advent, liturgies take place during the school day. These prayer group sessions are led by staff and pupils.
Prayer
Prayer is an important and intrinsic part of school life here at St Giles’. Prayer is at the epicentre of everything we do at St Giles’ and all of the children, throughout the school, share in prayer on a daily basis. Our children are taught to open their hearts and talk to God. Every class partakes in daily prayers which are said at different stages in the day.
Morning prayer
Father in heaven, you love me, you're with me day and night. I want to love you always; in all I do and say. I'll try to please you, Father, bless me through the day. Amen.
Grace before lunch
Bless us, O Lord, as we sit together. Bless the food we eat today. Bless the hands that make the food. Bless us, O Lord, Amen.
End of the day prayer
God our Father, I come to say, thank you for your love today. Thank you for my family and all the friends you give to me. Guard me in the dark of night and in the morning send your light. Amen.
Our school prayer
Speak to us, Lord, and help us to listen
Teach us to grow in faith and love.
Guide us, and
Inspire us to
Look beyond ourselves and
Enlighten our homes, school and world as we
Share our call to holiness.