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MOST RECENT RE INSPECTION REPORT
Mission Statement
From early history to the present day, the Catholic Church has established a rightful place in the educational work of society and based its mission upon these claims.
Jesus himself was a teacher and his ministry embraced all peoples in all walks of life.
His example requires the Church to serve the individual and the wider community. Education is an important part of the service which the Church provides.
The Church has to be active in the public educational process and concerned with the view of humanity which has a need for education.
Here at Saints Gabriel and Raphael Catholic School, we strive to ensure that the school is Christ centred. It is a community of faith that seeks to promote the Gospel, that has concern for the whole child and where our pupils can learn, grow and develop.
Our mission “A Catholic Family Working and Learning Together,” encompasses strong links between Parish, home and school.
Catholic- a caring Christian community in action.
Family- we seek to provide a happy, loving welcoming secure environment rooted on Gospel values and the love of Christ.
Working- doing our best with the abilities we have.
Learning- we seek to provide a broad, balanced whole curriculum permeated with Catholic ethos.
Together- we do our best to identify, develop and share our God –given talents with one another so that EVERY individual is developed to the full.
Aims of Saints Gabriel and Raphael Catholic Primary School
Follow the Gospel of Christ and to live it with a sense of fun and friendship. Faith is not the clinging to a shrine, but an endless pilgrimage of the heart. Create an atmosphere where the Catholic/ Christian spirit is present, where we show respect for self and others, promoting tolerance and friendliness as well as respect for our own belongings and those of others and the school environment. Support everyone involved with the school with their personal journey of faith and also to work in partnership with our parishes. Ensure that the whole curriculum provides a Catholic/ Christian setting in which our children will grow in understanding and will develop their skills, attitudes and values. We will provide a curriculum where standards of teaching and learning are constantly in view and raised so that all can succeed to the best of their ability. Teach sound moral principles and foster self-discipline to be seen in our daily lives. Develop lively and enquiring minds, the ability to question and to reason and to work towards becoming independent learners. Help our children to learn how to co-operate, persevere, grow in self-esteem and confidence and celebrate success in everyone.
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Catholic Life of the School
“As a Catholic family, we will do our best to live and learn as Christ taught us.”
Catholic schools are established to be part of the Church’s mission in education, to place Christ and the teaching of the Catholic Church at the centre of people’s lives. Catholic schools are a place where children can encounter Jesus Christ and His love and truth.
Ss. Gabriel and Raphael school is a friendly and nurturing environment with a strong sense of community. Children are encouraged to develop their spiritual, cultural and personal lives enabling them to flourish into well rounded individuals with values, motivations and aspirations.
Our Catholic faith is at the very heart of Ss Gabriel and Raphael and our faith is lived through daily experiences within our school, permeating every aspect of school life and rooted in Gospel values. We provide rich opportunities for children to encounter God and deepen their relationship with Him. Part of our mission is to evangelise, spreading God’s word and interacting with the local community, Parish, families and cultures.
Catholic Social Teaching- What is it?
Catholic Social Teaching calls us all to work for the common good, help build a just society, uphold the dignity of human life and work for justice and the dignity of all our brothers and sisters, especially those in greatest need.
Catholic social teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by grassroots movements. It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.
What are the 7 principles of Catholic social teaching?
Dignity of the Human Person
Family and Community
Solidarity & The common good
Rights and Responsibilities
Option for the poor and vulnerable
The dignity of work and participation
Stewardship
CAFOD- Catholic Social Teaching Explained Click on the link!!
The principles of Catholic Social Teaching underpin all we do at Ss Gabriel and Raphael. Our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty. Following in the footsteps of Jesus, we hope to make present in our unjust and broken world, the justice, love and peace of God. (Cafod).
Religious Education Policy
INTENT OF OUR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CURRICULUM
Prayer and Worship
“When you pray, God listens. When you listen, God talks. When you believe, God works.” (Unknown)
Prayer is an integral part of the school day at Ss Gabriel and Raphael and all children are invited to participate in their own personal way. We strive to help our children to value and recognise the importance and power of prayer. Prayer is an essential part of the Catholic life of our school as we put our mission statement into practice. Children are taught traditional prayers and they are introduced to a variety of ways to pray allowing them to spontaneously express their praise and thanks to God.
Each classroom has a display and sacred space to enable children to explore faith and spirituality in a safe, creative and interactive way. Children are able to interact with artefacts, images, prayer cards and Bibles within the areas. The areas change according to Magister topics, the Church’s year or special feast day or month.
Prayer and Liturgy Rotas
Meditation
‘Be still and know that I am God.’ (Psalm 46)
All children across the school participate in meditation regularly with a focus on being still and calm whilst in the presence of God. There is no right or wrong way to meditate and children of all ages are able to access it in their own, personal way.
Collective Worship
“God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.” (Mother Teresa)
Collective Worship is central to the life of our school. We join as a school family every week for whole school worship. We pray together, share and hear the Good News, celebrate our talents and gifts and praise God through song. Children show reverence during worship and an atmosphere of reflection and stillness is created.
Children join together for communal prayer in Key stages (Foundation Phase / Key Stage 2) once a week. Children engage in Bible stories, Pupil virtues, CST or explore Global issues.
Children are actively involved in planning and delivering collective worship in their classrooms weekly.
Further celebrations include:
- Children invited to Class Masses at church each week.
- Phased termly Masses in church where pupils lead service
- Nativity
- Advent service
- Candle Lit Carol Service
- Ash Wednesday service – burning of palms and distribution of ashes
- Holy Week liturgies
- Passion Play (Dosbarth Gabriel)
- May Procession
- Penitential services
- Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Let’s say the Rosary together (May / October)
RSE POLICY SPRING 2025
Prayer and Worship Policy
Religious Education Directory Progression
Ss. Gabriel and Raphael Pupil Profile Virtues 2025-2026
SS GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL PUPIL PROFILE
RSE info for Parents
RSE Policy 2024-2027
SYNOD LISTENING CHURCH
Pope Francis has invited the whole Catholic Church to question itself on what's called "synodality". It's an important theme in the life and mission of the Church - especially over the next two years. But what exactly is synodality and what does it mean for Catholics in England and Wales?