CATHOLIC LIFE
DIOCESAN INSPECTION REPORT 2019
Summary of Key Findings for Parents and Pupils
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The Catholic ethos and faith are central to the school. As soon as you enter the school it is very clear that the prime purpose is Catholic education, helping children to develop their faith to understand that God loves them. It is a welcoming place where everyone is loved and respected and the love of learning is evident in all aspects of the school.
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The quality of Collective Worship is outstanding. Prayer and worship is central to the life of the school and a key part of every school celebration. Pupils act with reverence and respect.
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The Catholic Life of the school is outstanding. Governors, senior leaders and staff have high expectations and a shared vision with regard to the Catholic mission and ethos of the school. Pupils make an outstanding contribution to the Catholic Life and take a leading role in activities which promote the school’s ethos within the wider community.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
At Star of the Sea, Christ is always at the centre of our children’s education. Throughout the school day the Gospel values are promoted as an integral part of our school life. Religious Education is a core subject, and the Bishops require 10% of the taught time for religious education. This means, 2 hours 15 minutes at Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 and 2 hours 30 minutes at Key Stage 2. This is clearly indicated on our class timetables. Time allocation is distributed appropriately across the timetable to ensure quality time is given for effective teaching and learning throughout the week.
Our Religious Education Curriculum is delivered through 'Come and See' which is the Diocesan Programme , followed by all the schools in our Diocese. Throughout each term, we deliver three different RE units. In addition to these, in the Autumn & Summer term we also focus on other faiths, these are Judaism & Islam.
The Come and See programme has been developed to respond to the needs of children today in their faith journey, to enable them to grow in their religious literacy and understanding in a way that is coherent with current educational principles.
At the heart of the programme is the mystery of God’s self-revelation of love through Jesus Christ. Come and See gives pupils the opportunity to explore the mystery of faith through Scripture and Tradition.
MINI VINNIES
The Society of St Vincent de Paul has been engaging with young people and education since its earliest days. Today the SVP England & Wales is pleased to highlight its continuing strong links with young people, through the development of its new 'Mini Vinnies' programme - a ground-breaking Primary Schools initiative which is seen as having, "the potential to significantly contribute to the future of our Society.
'Mini Vinnies' are children aged between 7 to 11 (or younger) who, with the permission of their parents and the support of their Schools, are encouraged to embark on their first steps as possible 'Vincentians for life'.
As Mini Vinnies, the children have their own 'treasured' Prayer, Pledge and Badge, a dedicated website and a range of bright and colourful documents which guide them in their formative steps - helping and enabling them to become in every sense, young Vincentians - or 'Mini Vinnies'.
Our Mini Vinnies group is very active at Star of the Sea. They get together to organise and talk about helping others in need within our school and community.
The Mini Vinnies meet every fortnight with our Mini Vinnies coordinator, Mr Thompson, to discuss our mission- See, Think, Do, and to share ideas and concerns.
