CATHOLIC LIFE
DIOCESAN INSPECTION REPORT 2020
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School is a good Catholic school because:
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It is a highly inclusive school which embraces the diversity of the local community. Pupils feel welcomed and cared for. They are very respectful of themselves and others.
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The quality of Catholic Life of the school is outstanding. Leaders are a visible presence within school, leading by example and ensuring that the mission of the school, based on the Gospel values of love, trust and respect, is lived out fully by all.
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The quality of Religious Education is good. Through creative lessons and increasingly accurate assessment, teachers ensure that those pupils who come into school with low starting points are making good progress.
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The quality of Collective Worship is good. Pupils respond enthusiastically to the various forms of Collective Worship on offer in school. There is a consistent approach to liturgy and the pupils are encouraged to take an active part in planning, preparing and leading such events.
MISSION STATEMENT
At St. Joseph’s we aim to:
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Promote a learning community based on the Gospel values of love, trust and respect where the achievements of everyone are recognised and celebrated.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
At St Joseph’s we follow the aims of Religious Education as stated in the RE Curriculum Directory which are:
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To present engagingly a comprehensive content which is the basis of knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith;
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To enable pupils continually to deepen their religious and theological understanding and be able to communicate this effectively;
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To present an authentic vision of the Church’s moral and social teaching so that pupils can make a critique of the underlying trends in contemporary culture and society;
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To raise pupils’ awareness of the faith and traditions of other religious communities in order to respect and understand them;
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To develop the critical faculties of pupils so that they can relate their Catholic faith to daily life;
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To stimulate pupils’ imagination and provoke a desire for personal meaning as revealed in the truth of the Catholic faith;
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To enable pupils to relate the knowledge gained through Religious Education to their understanding of other subjects in the curriculum;
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To bring clarity to the relationship between faith and life, and between faith and culture
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Our Beliefs
Since this is a Catholic school the precepts of the Catholic Faith form an integral part of the school. We believe that the children learn best from example and therefore we strive to live out the Gospel values with Christian principles and ideals permeating the whole curriculum.
MINI VINNIES
Year 5 lead our school Mini Vinnies have been shining examples of compassion and service showing Love, Trust and Respect by putting their faith into action.
The Mini Vinnies have inspired the whole school community to live out kindness in meaningful and practical ways.
A typical school year begins the season by creating a beautiful Well of Kindness, encouraging every pupil to contribute acts of generosity, friendship and positivity.
Their commitment to helping others usually continue with such activities as cake sales, raising valuable funds for CAFOD. They join the entire school for the Lenten Walk for CAFOD, proudly completing their miles to support communities around the world.
As part of their mission to support those in our local area, the Mini Vinnies organise our Canny Friday food donation drive. Thanks to the generosity of families across the school, they are able to deliver an impressive collection of essential items to the West End Foodbank—an act that will make a real difference to families in need.
To complete their Lenten activities, the children usually created thoughtful, hand made Easter cards for the residents of St Joseph’s Care Home, spreading hope and joy across generations.
We are incredibly proud of our Mini Vinnies for leading with compassion and showing how small acts of kindness can create a big impact throughout our school and community.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
At our school, we are guided by the values of Catholic Social Teaching. We live out these teachings through love, trust and respect.
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Dignity of the Human Person: We treat everyone with kindness and respect, celebrating each person’s uniqueness and worth. The Good Samaritan Certificate as well as class certificates of achievement is given out during Celebration Assembly ever Friday.
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Solidarity: We stand together as one school family, supporting each other and reaching out to those in need locally and globally.
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The Common Good: We work together to create a safe, welcoming, and joyful environment where everyone can thrive and reach their potential.
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Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: We raise awareness and take action through charity events, food bank collections, and fundraising for those less fortunate. With the help of Mini-Vinnies, we carryout initiatives like Canny Friday to support our local Food Bank.
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Care for God’s Creation: We care for our environment by recycling, reducing waste, and learning how to protect the planet. We start with our school and encourage family and friends by sharing what we have learnt.
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Rights and Responsibilities: We learn about justice and fairness, and we take responsibility for our actions in school and in the wider world.
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Participation: We encourage every pupil to have a voice, take part in decision-making, and contribute to the life of our school.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING PRINCIPLES
