RE Blog

05.12.2025

Year 6

Year 5

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 the true 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

Year 3 Visit to St Joseph’s and St Gabriel’s 

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.

Please see the link below to watch the show!

Nursery

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:

• St. Maximilian Kolbe – A Polish priest who gave his life to save another man in Auschwitz, showing extraordinary love and sacrifice.

• 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.

• 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:

• how each person showed dignity to others,

• what they found inspirational about their actions, and

• 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.