RE Blog
19.12.2025
Year 6
In Religious Education this term, Year 6 have been learning about the important role of women in God’s plan throughout salvation history. We began by focusing on women of the Old Testament and exploring how their faith, courage and trust in God helped shape His plan. We then moved on to learning about Mary, the Mother of God. We discussed why Mary is so important in the Church and how her obedience and faith continue to inspire Christians today.
As part of our learning, we also looked at the role of women in the Church today. The children shared thoughtful ideas and took part in respectful debates about whether women should play a more significant role in the Church in the future. They listened carefully to different viewpoints and explained their own opinions clearly. To finish this branch of learning, we came full circle by reflecting on women in our own lives who have had a positive impact on us. The children shared and celebrated the admirable qualities of women such as mums, grandmas, aunties, sisters and friends, recognising qualities like kindness, strength, patience, love and support.
This unit helped Year 6 to appreciate the vital role women have played in the past, continue to play today, and the influence they have in our own lives.
Year 5
Year 5 have been exploring the O Antiphons and what they reveal about the many titles of Jesus. The pupils began to look at artwork of the O Antiphons sharing their thoughts on the different pieces and depictions and why these pieces inspired them the most and why. They linked the images back to the meanings of the O Antiphons, explaining how the artwork helped them to have a better understanding to who Jesus is, particularly during the season of Advent. These thoughtful conversations encouraged the children to express their own beliefs while listening respectfully to others. Inspired by the artwork they had explored, the children then created their own O Antiphon artwork allowing the children to respond personally to their faith and reflect on how the message of Advent is still relevant today.
Year 4
This term in Religious Education, pupils have been exploring the theme of Prophecy and Promise, discovering how God prepared His people for the coming of Jesus. Through stories from the Old Testament, such as Elijah and the widow and the words of the prophets, children learned how God provides, keeps His promises and calls people to listen and trust Him.
The children explored the role of prophets, including Elijah and John the Baptist, and compared different Gospel accounts to understand how God’s message can be shared in many ways. They also learned about prophecy and how it points towards Jesus as the promised Messiah, helping them to reflect on hope, preparation and God’s plan for the world.
As part of Advent, pupils reflected on how we prepare for Christmas and the Second Coming of Jesus, linking
their learning to community, prayer and acts of kindness. They celebrated key beliefs of the Church through the Feast of Christ the King, the Nicene Creed, and creative activities such as making the Jesse Tree.
Throughout the unit, children were encouraged to think about how these stories inspire us to live out our faith today, showing love, generosity and dignity to others as we prepare a way for Jesus in our own lives. At home, the children made projects to demonstrate their learning.
Year 3
This term, pupils explored the importance of Sunday, Mass and Advent, learning how Christian faith is expressed through worship, Scripture and community life. They discovered why Christians gather for Mass on Sundays, linking this to Jesus’ Resurrection and the idea of belonging to God’s family.
Children focused on the Liturgy of the Word, learning how Christians listen and respond to Scripture and why the Mass is a shared celebration. They explored the meaning behind key actions, prayers, signs and symbols, including those linked to the Eucharist.
During Advent, pupils studied the Nativity through Scripture, particularly Joseph’s trust in God and the prophecies that foretold Jesus’ birth. They reflected on themes of hope, obedience and preparation, supported by creative work and discussion.
Year 2
In Religion this week, we explored the words of the prophet Isaiah from the Bible. In Isaiah 9:1–3, Isaiah speaks about people walking in darkness and seeing a great light. We talked about what this means and why these words are important for Christians.
Christians believe that this “great light” is Jesus. At Christmas, Jesus’ birth is celebrated because he brought hope, love and joy into the world. We discussed how light helps us to see clearly and feel safe, and how Jesus helps people to make good choices and show love to others.
The children reflected on what darkness can look like in the world today. They shared thoughtful ideas about people feeling lonely or sad, being left out, or when others are treated unfairly. We then talked about how, especially at Christmas time, we can help to bring light into these dark situations by being kind, caring and loving.
We linked our learning to Catholic Social Teaching, focusing on the principle of Human Dignity. We learned that every person is made in God’s image and is important. When we treat everyone with kindness and respect, we are showing that we believe everyone deserves love and care. In this way, we can bring light to everyone, just as Jesus did.
To finish our learning, the children created artwork showing what they think a world filled with light would look like. Their work included bright colours and images of happiness, peace, friendship and kindness. The children were able to explain how their art showed light overcoming darkness.
This learning helped us to understand that the true message of Christmas is about sharing Jesus’ light with others and helping to make the world a brighter and kinder place.
In Religion this week, we explored the words of the prophet Isaiah from the Bible. In Isaiah 9:1–3, Isaiah speaks about people walking in darkness and seeing a great light. We talked about what this means and why these words are important for Christians.
Year 1
This week in RE, Year 1 have been learning all about Christmas and how Christians celebrate this special time. We talked about how Christmas is a time of love, kindness and helping others.
The children learned that Christians celebrate Christmas by singing carols, helping the poor, raising money for charity, and supporting people who are in need. We role-played these activities in class, which was super engaging and lots of fun. The children loved acting out how they could help others and show kindness.
We also took part in the Reindeer Dash, where we ran to raise money for the Whittington Hospital Children’s Ward. The children were very excited to help others and did an amazing job taking part.
The students were able to identify how this links to our Catholic Social Teaching, especially Human Dignity, Solidarity, and Peace. They understood that everyone is important and that we can work together to help those in need.
Well done, Year 1, for showing such kind hearts and living out the message of Christmas!
Little Gems
This week in Religion, we learnt about the Jewish festival Hanukkah. The children learnt about the Menorah being used to light candles to celebrate the little light being lit with oil and not going out a long time ago. We learnt that Hanukkah is a happy time and is celebrated with lights that are bright.
The children made their own Menorahs.
12.12.2025
Year 6
This week in RE, we explored the role of women in the Church today. We used a Diamond 9 activity to rank statements about women’s roles and discussed our reasoning. Some statements focused on equality, like “Women should have the same opportunities for leadership in the Church as men” or “Allowing women to become priests would strengthen the Church.” Others reflected tradition, such as “Following Jesus’ choice of male apostles means only men should become priests” and “The Church should keep male-only priesthood because it has been that way throughout history.”
We discussed how people have different opinions, and how both women and men contribute to the Church in their own ways. Many of us reflected on the roles women already have, while also thinking about where they could have more opportunities for leadership and decision-making. It was interesting to consider different perspectives and explain our reasoning about what might strengthen the Church today. This activity helped us think critically about faith, fairness and how the Church can continue to grow in the modern world.
Year 5
Year 5 have been exploring the O Antiphons and what they reveal about the many titles of Jesus. The pupils began to look at artwork of the O Antiphons sharing their thoughts on the different pieces and depictions and why these pieces inspired them the most and why. They linked the images back to the meanings of the O Antiphons, explaining how the artwork helped them to have a better understanding to who Jesus is, particularly during the season of Advent. These thoughtful conversations encouraged the children to express their own beliefs while listening respectfully to others. Inspired by the artwork they had explored, the children then created their own O Antiphon artwork allowing the children to respond personally to their faith and reflect on how the message of Advent is still relevant today.
Year 4
Year 4 have been focusing on how they can use messages from Scripture to prepare themselves for the coming of Jesus during Advent. They spent some time reflecting and praying in our school chapel during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Elijah and John the Baptist: Messages for Today
On Monday, Year 4 learned about the powerful messages of Elijah and John the Baptist, both of whom called people to turn back to God with trust and faith. We reflected on James 5:17–18 and discussed how their messages still guide us today. Linking to the Catholic Social Teaching principle of Solidarity and Peace, the children explored how choosing God helps us care for one another and work together to make the world a better place.
The children expressed their understanding creatively by designing comic strips showing how Elijah and John the Baptist’s messages might be lived out in modern life; through kindness, repentance, courage and doing God’s will. Our deeper-thinking question prompted excellent discussion: How do Elijah and John the Baptist’s messages of repentance and turning back to God help us build solidarity and peace today? The children offered reflective and compassionate responses.
Preparing a Way for Jesus
In our second lesson, we explored how we can prepare a way for Jesus in our own lives, inspired by Matthew 25:35–40. Linked to the Catholic Social Teaching principle of Community and Participation, the class wrote about how preparing for Jesus during Advent is something we can do together through kindness, reflection, helping others and opening our hearts to Him.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
This week Year 4 also took part in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in our school chapel. The children showed beautiful reverence and maturity as they spent time in quiet reflection in the presence of Jesus. It was a calm, meaningful opportunity for prayer during this special season of Advent.
Year 3
This week in class, we explored how participating in Mass and learning about one another’s Advent traditions can help us grow as a community. We discovered that taking part in Mass isn’t just about prayers and readings—it’s also about realising that we are all connected. When we gather together, we become part of something bigger than ourselves. The Catholic Social Teaching principle of Community & Participation reminds us that everyone has a place and a role in our faith community. Being present at Mass helps me see how our actions, prayers, and voices come together to support and strengthen one another.
We also spent time listening to our classmates and teachers share their Advent traditions. Some families light Advent candles, others decorate their homes in special ways, and some have unique cultural celebrations that prepare their hearts for Christmas. Hearing these stories helped me understand the CST principle of Solidarity & Peace. When we listen with respect and curiosity, we learn to appreciate our differences instead of seeing them as something that separates us. These conversations reminded me that peace grows when we understand one another.
Overall, this week showed me that community is built through participation, sharing, and kindness. Whether we are gathered at Mass or listening to each other’s Advent traditions, we are always learning how to grow together in faith.
Year 2
This week, Year 2 had an amazing time performing our nativity show, Born in a Barn! We told the Christmas story in a fun and exciting way - through the eyes of the animals who were inside the stable on the night Jesus was born.Through our performance, we also talked about why the nativity is the true Christmas story for Christians. Christians believe that Jesus’ birth shows God’s love for the world, and that this moment brought hope, peace and joy. By acting out the story, we learned that Christmas is not just about presents or decorations—it is a celebration of the special message at the heart of the nativity.
We are so proud of everyone in Year 2 for singing beautifully, remembering their lines, and helping to bring the animals’ story to life. What a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas together!
Year 1
Reflection at a special time of year!
This week in Religion, our Year 1 students explored the many beautiful ways Mary has been depicted in art, music and story. We looked closely at different artworks and listened to songs that celebrate Mary, helping students understand why she is such an important and loved figure in our faith tradition.
The children reflected on why we praise and thank Mary, sharing thoughtful ideas about her kindness, courage, and loving presence. Each student selected their favourite representation of Mary whether from a painting, statue, or song and explained what they loved most about it. Their reflections showed a growing appreciation for Mary as a role model of faith and love.
We also spent time revisiting the Christmas story, discussing why this moment is so significant for Christians. Students shared the reasons Christmas is important to them and connected these ideas to themes of hope, joy and generosity. To capture their learning creatively, each child wrote their reflections inside a star, symbolising hope and kindness during this special season.
The children also took part in the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the school chapel. It was a special opportunity for quiet reflection and prayer in the presence of Jesus. It allowed students to experience a peaceful moment away from the busyness of the day and to deepen their understanding of reverence and prayer.
The students were incredibly engaged throughout the week, showing wonderful curiosity and reverence. We are so proud of their growing understanding of these important stories and figures in our faith.
Reception
This week, we learnt that people all over the world celebrate Jesus’ birthday in many wonderful and unique ways!
In the Philippines, families create beautiful star-shaped parol lanterns. These colourful lanterns glow brightly at night and are meant to remind everyone of the shining star that guided the Wise Men to baby Jesus. Making parols is an important tradition, and they are proudly hung outside homes, schools and even in the streets.
In Kenya, Christmas is a joyful time for gathering with loved ones. Many people attend a lively church service filled with music, singing, and dancing. Afterwards, families and friends come together to share a big festive meal. One of the special foods they often enjoy is Nyama Choma, which is delicious roasted meat cooked over a fire and served with vegetables and chapati.
In Italy, children look forward to a magical visitor known as La Befana. She is described as a kind old woman who travels on a broomstick, leaving sweets and small gifts inside stockings for children who have been good. This tradition adds excitement and wonder to the Christmas season.
In Mexico, children dress as Joseph and Mary and walk through their neighbourhoods, knocking on doors as they re-enact the journey of searching for a place to stay in Bethlehem. People sing songs, carry candles, and celebrate together when the “posada,” or shelter, is finally found.
After learning about these amazing traditions, we created our very own parol lanterns inspired by the Philippine tradition, and we even role-played the Mexican tradition by pretending to be Mary and Joseph searching for a safe place to rest. It was fascinating to discover how other countries celebrate the birth of Jesus, and it helped us appreciate the beauty and diversity of Christmas around the world!
Nursery
The Nursery children have been learning more about preparing for Christmas. Our learning objective for our fifth ‘Promise’ lesson was: To know that Advent is a time to get ready for Jesus’s birthday.
The children sat in a circle surrounding a basket covered with a purple cloth. We explained that Advent is a special time when we get ready… ready for Jesus’s birthday. We lifted the cloth to reveal an Advent wreath with four candles. The children were very excited! We explained that the candles help us get ready for Jesus’s birthday. We read Isaiah 9:2. and then discussed the four candles:
Candle 1 – Hope (We held up a star)
This candle is for hope. We hope for Jesus’s birthday to come.
Candle 2 – Peace (We held up a dove)
This candle is for peace. Peace means being calm and gentle while we get ready.
Candle 3 – Joy (We held up a smiley face)
This candle is for joy. Jesus’s birthday brings happy hearts!
Candle 4 – Love (We held up a heart)
We explained that this candle is for love. We show love because Jesus brings love to everyone.
The children then learnt an advent song to the tune of ‘Twinkle Twinkle’.
They created birthday cards for Jesus.
Some of the children made Advent candle pictures by choosing one of the candles discussed, and adding their symbol. Finally, some children created Christmas and Advent symbols with purple playdough.
Little Gems
In Little Gems this week in religion we learnt all about God's love for everyone and how he sent Jesus to us to show His love. The children made hearts using heart shapes in pink and red paint. We showed the cuddly toys our love and as they were hugged we said the phrase “We show love, just like Jesus is God’s love.” The children also explored light through using torches and stars in our sleep room.
In Celebration of the word we explored how the cross is special as it reminds us of Jesus' love for us all and how we need to thank God for sending us Jesus and all the wonderful things we have. Such as our happiness, our peace, our love for one another.
05.12.2025
Year 6
In Year 6 this week, we researched how different women’s religious orders respond to God’s call. We chose from the Irish Sisters of Mercy, the Carmelites, the Ursulines, and the Benedictine Sisters. We discovered that, although each order follows its own traditions and way of life, they all dedicate themselves to prayer, service and helping others in the way God calls them to. Many of us were surprised by how varied their missions are—from teaching and healthcare to silence, contemplation and community living.
Later in the week, we explored the deeper symbolism of the Advent wreath. We learned what each element represents: the evergreen branches symbolising eternal life, the circle showing God’s endless love, the candles symbolising hope, peace, joy, and love, and the central Christ candle reminding us that Jesus is the light of the world. We then designed our own Advent wreaths and created a two-page spread explaining the meaning behind each symbol.
It has been a thoughtful week of learning about commitment, faith and the ways people prepare their hearts during Advent.
Year 5
This week in RE, we learned about the Rosary and the Joyful Mysteries, which tell the story of the beginning of Jesus’ life. We discovered how the Rosary helps us pray calmly and reflect on these important moments. As we enter Advent, we talked about how it is a time of waiting and preparing for Jesus. We shared personal reflections about times when waiting has helped us grow in patience and hope.
We also explored the O Antiphons, special prayers used just before Christmas. Each one gives Jesus a different title—like Wisdom, Key of David, and Emmanuel—helping us understand who He is and why His coming is so important. Overall, our learning reminded us that Advent is not just about waiting for Christmas, but preparing our hearts with faith, kindness, and joy.
Year 4
On Monday, Year 4 attended the Advent assembly led by Year 6. This was a peaceful event, which helped the children to reflect on thetrue meaning of Advent and Christmas. The children learnt that the baubles on our Christmas tree represent different things. For example, blue shows that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, silver stands for his life without sin and purple reminds us that Jesus is our Heavenly King. The children enjoyed reflecting on the assembly and thinking about how they can prepare for Jesus’ coming during Advent.
In our first Religion lesson, the children learned about key Catholic beliefs found in the Nicene Creed, a special prayer that Catholics say to remind themselves of the most important things they believe about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The children annotated the Creed and reflected on how our shared beliefs unite us as a community of believers.
This week we also explored different artwork showing Christ the King, considering how Jesus leads with love and humility, unlike earthly kings. Inspired by Philippians 2:9–11 and the Catholic Social Teaching principle of Human Dignity, the children discussed artists’ intentions and used a Diamond 9 activity to rank their favourite images.
As we continue our journey through Advent, Year 4 visited our school chapel this week to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Advent is a time of preparation, hope and waiting, and the children reflected on how we can prepare our hearts by saying sorry, seeking forgiveness and making positive choices. The children were encouraged to think about their actions and how they can show kindness as we move closer to Christmas.
Finally, Year 4 brought in some fantastic projects this week, to showcase their learning in this ‘Prophecy and Promise’ topic. It was great to see such creative expressions of their knowledge, such as Jesse Tree posters with beautifully drawn symbols, Elijah’s Miracle Jar filled with notes about how we can show generosity and trust in God and a even a model depicting Elijah’s Chariot of Fire.
Year 3
This Friday, Year 3 visited both St Joseph’s and St Gabriel’s to take part in a very special Mass. Father Moses spoke beautifully about the importance of this time of year Advent and the many preparations we make as we get ready for Christmas.
During the service, we reflected on the salvation brought by Jesus, how He died for us and saved us from our sins. This message is especially meaningful for us as a Passionist school, where we honour the Passion of Jesus as the heart of our charism and identity. The children were reminded that Jesus’ suffering, death and love for humanity guide the way we learn, act, and care for one another in our school community.
The children listened with great respect and showed a fantastic understanding of the message. We are incredibly proud of the pupils—they behaved wonderfully throughout the visit and truly represented our school with kindness, reverence, and enthusiasm.
It was a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone.
Year 2
This week started with a magical Advent assembly. We went to the dimly lit hall, listened to scripture and heard about the five candles on the Advent wreath and the special meanings behind the decorations on our Christmas tree. It was so interesting to find out what each candle represents and how the fifth candle unifies them and tells us about God shining his light in the darkness. It was a wonderful way to start the first week of Advent.
Year 1
This week in Year 1, we learned all about Mary and the amazing things she did for God. We talked about how Mary showed love, trust, and faith, and why she is such an important figure in our faith.
To help us reflect on her kindness and devotion, the children created beautiful paper flowers, thinking about how Mary is often shown with flowers as a sign of purity and love.
We also visited St Joseph’s Church, where the class gathered respectfully and calmly. The children showed wonderful behaviour as we said the Hail Mary prayer together. It was a peaceful moment and a special chance to think about Mary and her role.
In class, we have also been learning the prayer “Glory to God in the Highest” (Gloria). We talked about how this prayer is a way of praising God and showing our joy. The children enjoyed singing the Gloria and understanding its meaning.
It has been a thoughtful and joyful week in RE, and we are very proud of how engaged and reverent the children have been.
Reception
This week, we proudly performed our Nativity for our nearest and dearest. Over the past few weeks, we have worked incredibly hard, learning our lines, practising our songs, perfecting our actions and becoming confident on stage.
During the performance, we told the heart-warming story of the first Christmas. We shared how the Angel Gabriel visited Mary to tell her she had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus, and how Mary and Joseph then travelled all the way to Bethlehem. With no rooms left at the inn, they found shelter in a humble stable, where baby Jesus was born and laid gently in a manger.
News of this miraculous birth spread far and wide. Shepherds in the fields were guided by angels, while three wise men followed a bright, shining star across the desert to bring their precious gifts. Our stage came alive with wise men, camels, fluffy sheep, twinkling stars, angels and shepherds all eager to witness this incredible moment.
Our families and staff were absolutely amazed by the performance and couldn’t have been prouder of the children’s effort, enthusiasm and joy.
Nursery
The children loved learning more about the Nativity story this week! Our learning objective for our fourth ‘Promise’ lesson was: To explore the nativity scene as a way to remember when Jesus was born.
Firstly, the children gathered with a basket on the carpet, and were told that inside the basket are some people and animals to help us remember a very special birthday. First the donkey was pulled out, and the children gave him a little pat. Next, Mary and Joseph figures were brought out, and the children helped them walk to the stable. We discussed the stable as it was pulled out, and reminded the children that it is where Jesus was born. Finally, Baby Jesus was brought out, and the children acted out rocking the baby. We arranged the figures together and explained how when the figures are together, they make a Nativity scene. When we see a Nativity scene, it helps us to remember Jesus’ birthday.
The children then partook in some fun activities! Some children retold the nativity scene on the small world table. Others created a manger picture using straw, a paper plate and then added a picture of baby Jesus. When outside, the children went on a walking trail in your outdoor area. We told the children: “Mary and Joseph are walking to Bethlehem. Can you help them on their journey?” They walked along the path, carrying the basket or taking turns placing the figures at each “stop.” At the end of the trail, they arrived at the stable made from crates. The children then talked about the Nativity while exploring a Nativity night sky-themed water tray which inspired them to practice their fine motor skills by creating night-sky star pictures.
Little Gems
This week in Pre-Nursery, we have been learning all about Advent and how the candle helps us to remember to wait for the Jesus' birthday. The children decorated their own candles. We made hearts to show love for Jesus using red glittery playdough. We also explored purple coloured rice with different symbols: dove to represent peace, a heart to represent love and a star to represent hope.
28.11.2025
Year 6
This week in RE, Year 6 explored the idea of radical expectations of the Messiah—the bold, world-changing hopes people held in ancient times. Pupils learned that many expected the Messiah to bring dramatic change: justice for the oppressed, the downfall of the powerful, peace and a transformed society. They asked thoughtful questions about fairness, leadership and what a “better world” might look like today.
We then linked this to the Magnificat—Mary’s song of hope and praise when she visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:46–55). In it, Mary celebrates a God who lifts up the lowly and brings down the proud, echoing these same radical hopes. This helped pupils see how early Christians understood the Messiah’s arrival as the beginning of real change.
A great lesson full of curiosity and big thinking—well done, Year 6!
Year 5
This week in Year 5, we learned what it means to be a good shepherd and how Jesus shows us the perfect example of caring leadership. A shepherd looks after their sheep, keeps them safe, guides them, and never leaves anyone behind, and we discovered that we can do the same with the people around us.
Being a good shepherd means being kind, including others, standing up for people who need help, and leading by setting a good example. Jesus teaches us that everyone is important, even the ones who feel lost or left out, and He shows us how to love, forgive, and care for others every day.
When we follow His example, we become better friends, kinder classmates, and stronger leaders, making our school a happier and more welcoming place for everyone.
Year 4
This week in Religion, Year 4 have been learning about Jesus’ ancestry and how it shows God keeping His promises throughout history. We explored Jesus’ family tree and discovered that many important Old Testament figures, such as Abraham, Noah and Solomon, are part of His genealogy. The children enjoyed researching one of Jesus’ ancestors and creating a short fact file. Through this, we reflected on how God fulfilled His covenant with Abraham and what it means for us to be part of God’s family today. Our Catholic Social Teaching focus was Solidarity and Peace, reminding us that learning about our shared faith helps us feel connected to one another.
Later in the week, we explored the Jesse tree and its special role in telling the story of our faith. Each symbol on the tree represents a moment or person from the Old Testament who points towards Jesus. The children designed their own “bauble” based on a biblical story for our class Jesse tree display. This linked to our Catholic Social Teaching principle of Community and Participation, as it helped us recognise how our individual contributions come together to form a shared celebration of God’s promises. The class really enjoyed seeing how the roots of our faith grow through many generations, all leading to Jesus.
Year 3
This week in Year 3, the children have been learning how we celebrate our faith through the many signs and symbols and prayers used during Mass, as well as the hymns we sing during Advent and Christmas.
They explored important gestures such as the sign of the cross, genuflection, bowing, and the different times we sit, kneel, stand and sing, discussing how each action shows respect, prayerfulness and our readiness to take part in the celebration. The class also looked at key items like the chalice, altar, cross, candles and the Book of the Gospels, learning what each one represents and how these help us participate more meaningfully in Mass, linking to the CST principle of Community & Participation.
As Advent begins, the children have been listening to and reflecting on Advent and Christmas hymns, thinking about how the words help us prepare our hearts for Jesus with hope, and how Christmas hymns help us celebrate His birth with joy and peace. They also talked about how singing together brings us closer as a class and as a Church family, connecting with the CST principle of Solidarity & Peace.
Year 3 have enjoyed discovering how all these actions, symbols and songs help us worship God and journey through Advent with understanding and reverence.
Year 2
This week in Religion, Year 2 began learning about the Nativity story and the special meaning of the Advent period for Catholics. The children explored how Advent is a time of waiting, hope, and preparation as we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. As part of their learning, the children made their own Advent wreaths. We discussed the symbolism behind the wreath’s parts—the holly representing the crown of thorns Jesus wore, the evergreen leaves symbolising Jesus’ unending love, the red berries reminding us of the blood Jesus shed when he died, and the candles representing hope, peace, joy, and love during this special season. The children enjoyed sharing their thoughts about what each part means and how it helps us prepare our hearts for Christmas. It was a beautiful way to connect faith, creativity and reflection as we enter this special season together.
Year 1
This week in RE has been full of fun, creativity and meaningful learning! During our Tuesday assembly, we linked our five senses to how we experience God’s world. The children enjoyed exploring how seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling help us appreciate all the wonderful things God has made.
In class, we also made beautiful paper angels, carefully decorating them to remind us of God’s love and protection. The children were so proud of their creations! We continued our learning by talking about why the Bible is important and how it teaches special stories that help guide us. The children learned that the Bible is treated with great respect because it is a holy book.
Finally, we explored why the altar is special. We discussed how it is a sacred place in church where people gather, pray, and remember God. The children showed great curiosity and respect in their conversations. It has been a wonderful week of learning, reflection and creativity!
Reception
We had the pleasure of welcoming Father George into our classroom! Father George shared with the children some of the important people from the Nativity, such as Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the Three Wisemen!
Father George also shared with the children that on Sunday 7th December at 3pm there will be a Nativity event on at St Joseph’s Church, this will include REAL donkeys and treats! Everyone is welcome to attend! 🙏
In our Religion lesson, we continued to explore the Nativity story in greater depth, building on what Father George had introduced. He read the Bible passage Matthew 1:1–25, which tells the story of Jesus’ birth and helps us understand why this moment is so important for Christians around the world.
Together, we discussed the significance of the crib and how it symbolises the humble place where Jesus was born, how people across the world use a crib or Nativity scene at Christmas time to remind them of the love and hope brought into the world with Jesus’ birth and Who would have been present at the crib such as: Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, angels, and the Three Wisemen and how each of them plays a special role in witnessing this extraordinary event.
Nursery
Nursery have been very excited to hear the next part of the Christmas story. This week they heard about
theangels appearing to the shepherds on the hillside.
Our learning objective for our ‘Promise’ Lesson 3 was ‘to understand that the angels told the shepherds the good news and they visited Jesus’.
We gathered in our circle and a toy sheep was placed on a dark cloth. The children watched as a lantern was switched on. We encouraged them to notice the contrast between darkness and light. We told the story of the angels visiting the shepherds; using the objects to help us. The dark cloth represented the shepherds watching over their sheep. The shiny fabric was lifted to represent the brightness that surrounded the shepherds when the angels appeared with good news. The shepherd figures were moved towards the stable scene. We talked about their excitement and joy that they felt at finding Baby Jesus. We read from the scripture: Luke 2:8–20. The children were reminded that God’s love brings light, hope, and comfort to everyone – and were encouraged to tell everyone the good news
Using the props from the lesson, the children explored the items on the carpet while retelling the story through play.
We explored the story tray using a ‘sensory tray’ (black rice, small stones, grass and toy sheep to represent the ‘night field’). The children used a small torch or fairy lights to represent the angels’ light breaking into the darkness.
In the Creative Area the children made shiny angel pictures; by combining shiny paper and cotton wool to make simple ‘angel light’ pictures.
When outside, the children went on a sheep hunt. They searched for sheep like the shepherds looking after their flock. They did a marvellous job of helping them to gather in a safe ‘field’ area.
Little Gems
This week in RE, we learnt how some people use the nativity scene to remember the birth of baby Jesus. The children made their own cribs using paint and wool, carefully choosing colours and textures to make each one unique. We also used Duplo and blocks to build cribs, encouraging the children to think about who might be present at the nativity and how they could make space for them. The class enjoyed retelling the story as they worked, placing figures in their cribs and talking about Mary, Joseph, the stable animals and the special star. It was wonderful to see their creativity and growing understanding of this important Christmas story.
21.11.2025
Year 6
This week in Year 6, our Religious Education lessons have focused on deepening our understanding of the important role women play throughout salvation history. We began by revisiting several key women from the Old Testament whom we have studied previously, exploring how their faith, courage, and trust in God helped shape God’s plan. We then linked this learning to the teaching of Pope John Paul II, who emphasised that women are “the true protagonists of salvation history”—active, essential participants in God’s unfolding story.
Later in the week, our learning turned to Old Testament prophecies and how they are fulfilled in the New Testament. By examining both the Lucan and Matthean infancy narratives, Year 6 explored how Mary stands at the heart of these prophecies. The children identified scriptural connections that show Mary as the fulfilment of God’s promises, deepening their appreciation of her unique role in salvation history.
To conclude the week, the children created their own beautiful artworks depicting Mary as the Mother of God. Their pieces reflected both creativity and reverence, showing how thoughtfully they have engaged with this topic.
Year 5
This week in R.E., our pupils have been exploring one of the most well-known stories from the Old Testament: David and Goliath. We began by diving into the narrative together, discussing its themes of courage, faith, and standing up for what is right even when the odds feel impossible. The children were particularly enthusiastic when reflecting on how David’s bravery could inspire us in our own lives.
After exploring the story in depth, the pupils took their learning a step further by transforming the tale into their very own movie adaptation! In Computing, pupils have all started filming and soon they will be moving on to the editing phase, where they’ll use digital tools to cut their clips, add sound, insert text and polish off their final movies.
Year 4
This week in Year 4, the children have been learning about two important parts of the Church’s year: the season of Advent and the feast of Christ the King.
In our first lesson, we explored Advent as a special time of preparation, not only for the celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas but also for His second coming. Using Matthew 24:30–31 as our focus, the children reflected on how Advent invites us to come together as a community, supporting one another and growing in hope. They created Advent preparation tables, thinking carefully about ways they can prepare their hearts for Jesus. The children wrote and drew examples of how they can get ready for Christmas by being kind, praying, helping others and finding ways to grow closer to Jesus. They also considered how they can be ready for the second coming by trying each day to make loving choices, follow Jesus’ teachings and live out their faith.
Later in the week, we celebrated the feast of Christ the King. The children learned when and why this feast is celebrated and discussed what it means to call Jesus our King. Using Revelation 19:16, we talked about Jesus as a loving ruler who values every person and shows us the importance of treating others with dignity. The children recorded key facts about the feast and then created their own artwork showing Jesus as Christ the King, decorating their drawings with scripture references.
Throughout the week, the children reflected thoughtfully on our guiding questions, especially how coming together during Advent helps us grow in hope and how Jesus’ example of dignity teaches us to treat others with kindness and respect. It has been a wonderful week of thoughtful learning and creative expression in Year 4.
Year 3
This week in Year 3, the children explored a very special piece of scripture: Isaiah 7:14, where the prophet Isaiah tells of a child who will be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” We discussed how Isaiah’s message brought hope to people long before Jesus was born, and how Christians believe this prophecy is fulfilled in the Nativity story. To deepen their understanding, the children created beautiful collages showing the connection between Isaiah’s prophecy and the birth of Jesus.
With this understanding, they planned their artwork, choosing images, colours, and symbols that showed both the waiting and the fulfilment. Their creativity shone through as they selected materials, discussed design choices with their partners, and carefully arranged the two sides of their collage to show the connection between past and present. The results were thoughtful, expressive, and filled with meaning—wonderful representations of the scripture they had explored.
Year 2
This week in RE, Year 2 learned about the prophets Isaiah and John the Baptist, discovering how these special messengers helped people prepare for Jesus by reminding them of their Human Dignity and encouraging them to live with kindness and hope. The children then imagined that they were prophets too and created their own messages announcing that Jesus is coming—follow the QR code to see Yellow Class’ prophecies.
Year 1
This week in Year 1, we had a very special visit from Father George. The children were excited to ask him questions about the Nativity, and it was wonderful to see how much they already know about the story of Jesus’ birth.
We also spent time talking about the shepherds and what they might have said when the angels appeared to them. The children enjoyed imagining how surprised and amazed the shepherds must have been when they saw baby Jesus in the stable.
To finish off our week, Year 1 created birthday Christmas cards for Jesus. In their cards, the children showed their love and appreciation for Jesus and reflected on the importance of human dignity treating everyone with kindness and respect, just as Jesus taught.
It has been a thoughtful and joyful week of learning and celebration!
Reception
This week in Religion, we explored the story of the shepherds visiting baby Jesus after the angels shared the good news with them. To help us think about how the shepherds might have felt, we passed around a special gift box and talked about the emotions we experience when we receive a gift. Some children said they would feel “loved,” “excited,” and “happy,” which helped us connect our own feelings to the joy in the Nativity story.
We then enjoyed role-playing the moment when the angels appeared to the shepherds. The children acted out the scene beautifully, showing us their best shocked and excited faces as they imagined hearing such wonderful news. To finish our lesson, we created our own “good news” scrolls, decorating them with drawings and messages that captured the spirit of the story.
We are also continuing to practise our Nativity. Rehearsing the scenes and songs not only supports our classroom learning but also helps the children deepen their understanding of the story as they act it out.
Nursery
This week in Nursery, the children were full of excitement as we continued our learning about the birth of Jesus Christ. Our learning objective was: To know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. We began by holding up a shining star and explaining that today’s story was about a very special baby: Jesus. We read Luke 2:4–7, and the children listened carefully to discover where Jesus was born.
To help bring the story to life, we showed the children our figures of Mary and Joseph. As we moved the figures slowly across the carpet, we talked about their long journey to the town of Bethlehem. The children watched with fascination as the story unfolded before them.
When Mary and Joseph arrived, we explained that there were no rooms left for them to stay in. Instead, they rested where the animals slept, in a stable. The children joined in by making gentle animal sounds such as moo, baa and neigh, helping them imagine what the stable might have been like on that peaceful night. We placed a small basket in front of us as our manger and gently wrapped a baby doll in cloth. The children watched quietly as we laid the baby in the manger and explained that this baby was Jesus, and that He was born in Bethlehem. We held up the star once more to show how it shone brightly over Bethlehem that night. Together, the children repeated the important sentence: “Jesus was born in Bethlehem.”
At the creative table, the children made their own shiny stars using foil, glitter and sequins. They were very proud of their sparkling creations, inspired by the star that shone on the night Jesus was born. In the role-play area, the children explored our stable setup. Using a story basket, they retold the Nativity in their own words, confidently placing Mary, Joseph, the animals and baby Jesus in the manger. Outside, the children worked together to build small stables using wooden blocks. They added animal figures and a baby doll, recreating the scene from the story beautifully.
They also enjoyed walking along our “journey path,” marked with stars, which led them all the way to a small stable, just like Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The children engaged wonderfully with every part of our lesson, showing curiosity, joy and understanding as they learned this special truth: Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
Little Gems
This week in Pre-Nursery for our religious education, we learnt that the angel came and told the shepherds that 'Jesus was born'. The children made their own angels using a paper cone cup crayons, tissue paper, glue and feathers.
In Celebration of the Word, Little Gems learnt all about kindness and helping others.
14.11.2025
Year 6
This week in RE, Year 6 have continued their learning about women in the Old Testament, focusing especially on the remarkable figure of Deborah. The children explored her significance as both a leader and a prophet, discovering how she guided the Israelites with wisdom, courage, and faith during a time of great difficulty. They discussed why Deborah is remembered as a strong role model and how her leadership continues to inspire people today.
On Tuesday 11th November, as part of our reflections for the Month of Remembrance, Year 6 also spent time thinking about the importance of human dignity, honouring and continuing the work of those who have gone before us. The children learned about three key figures whose lives demonstrate courage, compassion and selflessness:
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St. Maximilian Kolbe – A Polish priest who gave his life to save another man in Auschwitz, showing extraordinary love and sacrifice.
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Edith Cavell – A British nurse from World War I who cared for soldiers from both sides and helped hundreds to safety, showing that every human life has value.
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Dr Martin Luther King Jr – A civil rights leader who fought peacefully for equality and justice, reminding us of the dignity and worth of every person.
The children created detailed fact files about each of these inspirational individuals. They reflected on:
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how each person showed dignity to others,
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what they found inspirational about their actions, and
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how we can honour their memory today through kindness, justice and respect.
It has been a thoughtful and meaningful week in Year 6, filled with deep discussions and powerful examples of faith, courage and dignity in action.
Year 5
Year 5 enjoyed a wonderful chance to take part in the deanery Mass at St. Mellitus Parish Church, an experience that will stay with them. From the moment we stepped inside, the whole space felt calm, welcoming, and full of reverence. Pupils from many schools came together, creating a warm atmosphere of shared belief and celebration. The children sang with great energy, and the blend of young voices brought a bright, uplifting spirit to the liturgy.
A particularly special moment was watching three of our pupils—Tiffany, James and Asher—proclaim the Responsorial Psalm. They spoke with assurance, clarity, and heartfelt respect, enriching the service for everyone present.
When we made our way back to school, the children carried with them a deep sense of joy and calm. The hymns, the prayerful silence, and the feeling of togetherness reminded us how much strength comes from gathering in faith. We look forward to many future opportunities for our school community to celebrate, reflect, and shine as one.
Year 4
This week in Religious Education, Year 4 explored some rich and meaningful themes that helped us deepen our understanding of Scripture, faith and caring for others.
We began by comparing the Gospel stories of John the Baptist from Mark and Matthew. The children noticed that although both Gospels describe John as preparing the way for Jesus, each writer includes different details. Mark focuses on John’s message and mission, while Matthew adds more about John’s conversation with the Pharisees. We discussed why the Bible includes different perspectives as each writer saw and understood events in their own way. Together, these viewpoints help us build a fuller picture of God’s message.
We then learned about prophecies in the Bible and how prophets were chosen to share God’s promises with His people. The children read several prophecies that spoke of the coming of the Messiah. They identified how these messages connect to the life of Jesus and show God’s faithfulness through history.
On Remembrance Day, Year 4 took time to reflect on the bravery and service of those who worked to protect and care for their communities - soldiers, nurses, ambulance workers and many others. After discussing how their actions reflect Catholic Social Teaching principles, especially solidarity and the dignity of the human person, the children wrote heartfelt letters of gratitude. These letters thanked community heroes for the sacrifices they made and the love they showed through their service.
Today, the children dressed in the colours of the Jamaican flag to raise money for people in Jamaica. We reflected on the impact of the hurricane on the Jamaican people and discussed how our money can support them. The children reflected on how we can show respect for every person’s human dignity, no matter where they live. They wrote about the importance of helping others, recognising that every act of kindness builds a more compassionate world.
Year 3
Reflecting on The Birth of Jesus Foretold (Luke 1:26–38)
This week in Year 3, we have been learning about a very special moment in the Bible, The Birth of Jesus Foretold. They listened carefully to the story from Luke 1:26–38, where the Angel Gabriel visits Mary to tell her that she will have a very special baby, Jesus, the Son of God.
After listening to the Scripture, the children spent some quiet time reflecting on the story. They thought about how Mary must have felt when she received such amazing news - surprised, scared, and joyful all at once! Some children also chose to share their personal reflections with the rest of the class, speaking confidently about their thoughts and feelings.
Today, the children also took part in Jamaica Day, wearing the colours of Jamaica. We discussed the recent hurricane in Jamaica, thinking about what happened and how it affected people’s lives. Many homes were damaged, families were left struggling, and whole communities are now in great need of support. The children thought about how everyone deserves human dignity, and we linked this to Catholic Social Teaching, the belief that we are all called to help those who are suffering or in need.
We talked about how our actions today, such as wearing Jamaican colours to raise money and show solidarity, help us live out our faith in a practical and meaningful way.
The children also shared what they have learned about helping others and why it is important. They spoke about showing kindness, giving support, and bringing hope to people who are hurting. Together, we remembered that even small actions can make a big difference.
Year 2
Saying “Yes” Like Mary
This week in Religion, Year 2 have been learning all about the Nativity story and why this moment is so special for Christians around the world. We talked about the visit from the Angel Gabriel and how Mary said “yes” to God, showing bravery, trust, and love. The children reflected on how we can follow Mary’s example in our own lives by trying to say “yes” to God through kindness, helpfulness, and making good choices.
To help bring the Nativity to life, the children used technology to create their own Nativity scenes. They selected characters, arranged settings, and added details to show their understanding of the story. It was wonderful to see their creativity shine as they retold this important moment in a modern and imaginative way.
The children showed thoughtful reverence during our discussions and great enthusiasm during the creative task. What a lovely way to begin preparing our hearts for the Christmas season.
Year 1
Our Wonderful Nativity Journey at Lambeth Palace
This week, Year 1 had the incredible opportunity to visit Lambeth Palace and step into the story of the Nativity. It was a truly special experience where the children were able to explore the events surrounding the birth of Jesus in a meaningful and interactive way.
During our visit, the children met key figures from the Nativity story. They saw Mary and Elizabeth and learned about their joyful meeting. They also heard about the roles of the Wise Men and the Shepherds, who travelled from near and far to welcome Baby Jesus. The children loved seeing the manger scene and imagining what it must have been like on that holy night.
We were incredibly proud of how our Year 1 pupils showed their knowledge and understanding. Throughout the tour, they made thoughtful links to what they have been learning in school. They connected the characters, the setting and the events to the values of Catholic Social Teaching.
Many children noticed the donkeys and sheep in the Nativity scene and remembered that all animals are part of God’s Creation, which we must care for and respect. They also made beautiful connections to Human Dignity, explaining that people helped Mary and Joseph by giving them a donkey to travel on and offering a safe place the stable where Baby Jesus could be born. The children recognised that everyone deserves care, kindness and support just as Mary and Joseph received.
It was truly wonderful to see their learning come alive. Their curiosity and kindness made the trip even more special.
Thank you to all the adults who supported the trip and helped make this experience unforgettable.
Reception
This week, we learned that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in a stable. We began with a discussion around the questions: “Who do we celebrate at Christmas?” and “Do you know where Jesus was born?”. The children learned that a long time ago, Mary and Joseph had to travel a long distance to a town called Bethlehem. When they arrived, all the rooms were full, and there was nowhere for them to stay. They found shelter in a stable, and that night, baby Jesus was born.
The children were able to make lovely connections between this story and their own Nativity lines and songs! Afterwards, we made our own stables and enjoyed role-playing with figures of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and the animals.
It was also Remembrance Day this week. We shared how on the 11th November, we remember loved ones and all those who may not be with us any longer. We also discussed how a long time ago, when many countries were at war, brave men and women, like soldiers, had to go and fight to protect their homes and families. At 11am the whole school took part in a 2-minute silence. Then, we made our own poppies using pipe cleaners, tissue paper and paint!
Nursery
A Special Messenger in Nursery
The children were very excited to start their learning about The Christmas Story this week. Our learning Objective for our first lesson for our ‘Promise’ topic was: To know that Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus.
We sat the children sit in a circle and told them know that today’s lesson is about Mary and some special news from God.
We showed the children an angel figure and told them the story of the Angel Gabriel appearing to Mary in the Bible. We looked in the bible and read a very short version of Luke 1:26–31.
We passed the angel around the circle and said together, “Do not be afraid, Mary.”
We brought out the baby Jesus doll wrapped in a cloth, and the children took turns gently holding or wrapping the baby. We said a simple prayer thanking God for Mary and Jesus and ended the carpet session by listening to and joining in with the carol: ‘The Angel Gabriel.’
We then made some beautiful angels on the creative table and talked about the special message from Angel Gabriel.
We role-played the story with puppets, figures and costumes.
When outside we relayed the special message from Angel Gabriel using large tubes:
“Don’t be afraid Mary! You’re going to have a baby…the son of God!”
Little Gems
This week, we have spent time learning about Remembrance Day and the children made their own poppies using sponges and red paint.
We also learnt how baby Jesus was born in a stable. The children role-played being gentle with a doll and the nativity figures. They also made their own stables using half a paper plate, yellow paper as hay and placing a picture of Baby Jesus in the stable.
