Catholic Life

Catholic Schools Inspection

Summary of Key Findings for Parents and Pupils

The Catholic ethos and faith are central to the school. As soon as you enter the school it is very clear that the prime purpose is Catholic education, helping children to develop their faith to understand that God loves them. It is a welcoming place where everyone is loved and respected and the love of learning is evident in all aspects of the school.
The quality of Collective Worship is outstanding. Prayer and worship is central to the life of the school and a key part of every school celebration. Pupils act with reverence and respect.
The Catholic Life of the school is outstanding. Governors, senior leaders and staff have high expectations and a shared vision with regard to the Catholic mission and ethos of the school. Pupils make an outstanding contribution to the Catholic Life and take a leading role in activities which promote the school’s ethos within the wider community.

Diocesan Inspection Report

Religious Education

At Star of the Sea, Christ is always at the centre of our children's education. Throughout the school day, Gospel values are lived and promoted as an integral part of school life. Religious Education is a core subject and is highly valued within our curriculum.

In line with the requirements of the Bishops' Conference, 10% of curriculum time is devoted to Religious Education. At Star of the Sea, Religious Education is taught through three dedicated 45-minute lessons each week, ensuring that children have regular opportunities to deepen their knowledge, understanding and relationship with God.

Our Religious Education curriculum is delivered through The Way, the Religious Education programme approved and followed by schools within the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. The Way supports children in growing in faith, developing religious literacy, and understanding how the teachings of Jesus Christ shape their lives and the world around them.

The curriculum is structured around six branches of learning:

Creation and Covenant
Prophecy and Promise
Galilee to Jerusalem
Desert to Garden
To the Ends of the Earth
Dialogue and Encounter

Through these branches, pupils encounter Scripture, Catholic Tradition, prayer and worship, enabling them to explore God's loving relationship with humanity throughout salvation history.

The branch Dialogue and Encounter provides opportunities for pupils to engage with different worldviews and faith traditions, helping them to develop respect, understanding and appreciation of diversity. This learning deepens pupils' understanding of their own faith and the call to live in harmony with others.

At the heart of The Way is the belief that every child is called to know, love and follow Jesus Christ. Through engaging, thought-provoking and faith-filled learning experiences, children are encouraged to grow spiritually, morally and academically as they deepen their understanding of God's message of love.

The Way: To Know You More Clearly

Inspired by the prayer of St Richard of Chichester, "to see you more clearly, love you more dearly and follow you more nearly", The Way invites children on a journey of faith and discovery. Through Scripture, reflection, discussion and prayer, pupils are supported in coming to know Jesus more clearly, understand His teachings more deeply and recognise His presence in their own lives. This journey helps children grow as disciples, living out the Gospel values that are at the heart of our Star of the Sea community.

Further Information

As we continue to embed The Way across our school, a new Religious Education Policy is being developed to reflect our curriculum, vision and practice. This will further support our commitment to helping every child grow in faith, deepen their understanding of Jesus Christ and live out the Gospel values that are at the heart of our Star of the Sea community.

Prayer & Liturgy Policy

RE Curriculum Page

RE Newsletters

Prayer Life of our School

Mini Vinnies

The Society of St Vincent de Paul has been engaging with young people and education since its earliest days. Today the SVP England & Wales is pleased to highlight its continuing strong links with young people, through the development of its new 'Mini Vinnies' programme - a ground-breaking Primary Schools initiative which is seen as having, "the potential to significantly contribute to the future of our Society.

'Mini Vinnies' are children aged between 7 to 11 (or younger) who, with the permission of their parents and the support of their Schools, are encouraged to embark on their first steps as possible 'Vincentians for life'.

As Mini Vinnies, the children have their own 'treasured' Prayer, Pledge and Badge, a dedicated website and a range of bright and colourful documents which guide them in their formative steps - helping and enabling them to become in every sense, young Vincentians - or 'Mini Vinnies'.

Our Mini Vinnies group is very active at Star of the Sea. They get together to organise and talk about helping others in need within our school and community.

The Mini Vinnies meet every fortnight with our Mini Vinnies coordinator, Mr Thompson, to discuss our mission- See, Think, Do, and to share ideas and concerns.