Saint Christina’s is first and foremost a Catholic school community where the Head Teacher and all her staff are totally committed to the high profile given to Religious Education in the school curriculum. The teaching of Religious Education is managed by a dedicated, experienced and enthusiastic co-ordinator and staff. Staff at Saint Christina’s School are supported by the resident School Chaplain, a Sister of the Order of The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Children are taught to value the collective, inspirational contributions that the Sisters in the community have made, and continue to make, to the development of their school; particularly during our Diamond Jubilee Year and beyond. Saint Christina’s School is also most fortunate to have a priest from a local parish community as a full time member of staff.
Prayer and Worship hold a central role in the life of the school where children of all faiths feel valued and respected. Catholic children in Year Three are prepared for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist and both notable occasions take place in the convent chapel adjoining the school. Holy Mass is celebrated every Friday, led by a different class each week, to which parents are warmly invited. Liturgies are regularly celebrated and highlight the main events in the Christian Calendar.
Saint Christina’s School has recently adopted the Religious Education scheme entitled “The Way, the Truth and the Life”, written and produced by Sister Marcellina Cooney, CP and her educational team. According to Archbishop Vincent Nichols, recently appointed Archbishop of Westminster, “the great strength of this scheme is its simplicity and clarity. It is attractive, lively and appealing to both teachers and pupils”. Religious Education is creatively and dynamically linked with other curriculum areas, particularly Literacy, P.S.C.H.E., Art and ICT.
The study of Religious Education at Saint Christina’s School encourages children to be united in prayer for and with others, to act fairly, to participate in acts of charity and to be educated in purposeful mission and social justice. Charitable acts that children and the school community participate in each year include donating harvest food gifts for those who are in need in the local community, our ‘Boxes of Love’ Christmas gifts for underprivileged children abroad and supplying food aid to those affected by natural disaster or famine. Sponsored community appeals in past years have involved dedicated school fundraising for charities including LEPRA, NSPCC, Catholic Children’s Society and CAFOD. In their study of Religious Education, children are offered opportunities to use their compassion and empathy in the service of others and this provides our pupils with a rich ‘life education’ during their time at Saint Christina’s School and beyond.
Mrs. Gemma Raimondo
Subject Leader for Religious Education