Religious Education

Religious Education at St Gerard's

At St Gerard’s, we believe that each child is unique. The recognition of this individuality, together with a concern for the total development of the ‘whole child’ is at the heart of our educational philosophy. This is in line with our Mission Statement, which is evident around our school. This is to remind all staff, parents and visitors of our reasons for learning. We feel that this development is best achieved in an atmosphere where personal relationships can flourish and children of all faiths are respected and given the opportunity to explore their own capabilities and potential, in the know that they have the support and encouragement of a caring community.

St Gerard’s is part of the local community. We accept Catholic children living within the parish of St Marie’s. In addition, we admit a number of traveller children and children from the local refuge. Many of our children come to us from non-Christian faith traditions or with no religious beliefs or affiliations whatsoever. All are made to feel welcome and all of the children participate in the school’s religious activities. Our school is part of the parish of St Wilfrid’s.

Religious Education occupies a central place in the life of our school and is found across the whole curriculum, stimulating spiritual growth and development along with academic, physical and social progress. We continue to use the Come and See programme of study in most year groups, however within EYFS, we are delivering the scheme 'To Know You More Clearly'. This is being introduced gradually and will be taught throughout all of EYFS and KS1 by the end of the academic year. As well as Catholic teachings, we also incorporate learning about other faiths and religions through focus weeks.

Religious Studies address all pupils in our school, regardless of diversity of religious background and commitment. They aim to:

• Help pupils recognise and appreciate the religious and spiritual dimensions of life.
• Lead to a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith and other religious traditions.
• Challenge pupils to examine their own commitment and to respect that of others.

As a school, we recognise that there will be vacancies in the stages and levels of faith experienced by individual members of our school community. We recognise the importance of interaction between home, parish and school in fostering true Christian attitudes and helping to develop in each person, a deeper understanding of their relationship with God.

We are concerned that the presence of Christ should be evident to all within our school and we aim to promote a welcoming atmosphere of co-operation where experience and expertise can be shared with mutual trust and openness.

Charity Work at St Gerard's

At St Gerard's, we ensure that we give back to others by fundraising for a range of charities. By holding events such as own clothes days, cake sales and fundraising challenges, we regularly raise money for a range of charities such as Cafod, Macmillan, Mary's Meals, Claire House, Halton Haven Hospice, Widnes Food Bank and Brennan Lodge. We also work closely with charities such as Cafod to provide our children with opportunities to be educated about their work and to see what we can do to support them. Look at some of our pictures below!

Live Simply at St Gerard's

At our school, we are working towards achieving the Live Simply Award from Cafod. Through completing the award, we are answering the call to care for our common home and stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the world. Through our actions, we are showing how we are living simply, sustainability with creation and in solidarity with people living in poverty.

The award not only allows our school community to live more simply, but also more fully. To work towards achieving the award, we have completed a range of global, local and school actions. Some examples of our work are below:

An Eco Warrior group has been established

All classes completed a fundraising challenge for Cafod during Lent

Completed a whole school day based around Cafod's Fix the Food System Campaign

Fundraising for a local homeless charity

Created a Prayer Garden

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