# data[].attributes.body
At Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School, our ethos is rooted in Gospel values and the teachings of Jesus. We aim to create a happy, caring and inclusive community where every child feels valued, unique and successful. Our curriculum encourages children to grow in faith, show respect for others and develop a love for learning through enquiry, experiences and strong community relationships. We strive to help all children reach their full potential academically, spiritually and personally.

# data[].attributes.body
At Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School, our core values are that every child should feel:

Successful

Unique

Caring

Happy

Valued

These values are at the heart of everything we do and help create a nurturing, inclusive and faith-filled environment where all children can flourish.

# data[].attributes.body
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a special title given to the Virgin Mary and is closely linked to the Carmelite tradition of prayer, faith and devotion.

At our school, we celebrate her feast day every year on 16th July with a special pilgrimage and summer festival. This is an important part of our Catholic identity and brings our whole school community together in faith and celebration. During the pilgrimage, we come together in prayer and reflection to honour Mary and remember her example of kindness, compassion and trust in God.

Our summer festival is a joyful celebration where families, children and staff join together to celebrate our school community. It is a time of happiness, togetherness and thanksgiving, reflecting our school values of being Successful, Unique, Caring, Happy and Valued.

# data[].attributes.body
Prayer and reflection are central to life at our school. Every classroom has a designated prayer area which acts as a focal point for worship and reflection. These prayer spaces include liturgical displays, scripture, religious artefacts and examples of the children’s work, helping pupils to grow in faith and understanding throughout the year.

Outside, we are fortunate to have a beautiful prayer garden where children can pray, reflect and spend quiet time with God. We also have an enchanted forest area which provides a calm and peaceful space for quiet reflection, mindfulness and spiritual development.

Our allotment area helps children learn about stewardship and caring for God’s creation. Through growing plants and looking after the environment, pupils develop an understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and the importance of protecting and respecting the world around us. These outdoor spaces encourage children to appreciate nature, reflect on God’s gifts and care for our common home.

# data[].attributes.body
As part of our Catholic life, each class attends weekly parish Masses at our church with Father Elliot. These Masses give children the opportunity to come together in prayer, worship and reflection as part of the wider parish community.

Through attending Mass regularly, pupils develop their understanding of the Eucharist and strengthen their relationship with God. The children actively participate by reading, leading prayers and taking part in liturgy, helping them to grow in confidence and faith.

Our close partnership with the parish helps children feel connected to the Church community and supports them in living out Gospel values in their everyday lives.

# data[].attributes.body
Each year, our Key Stage Two children who are preparing for their First Communion celebrate this very special sacrament with their families, parish and school community.

After the First Holy Communion Mass, parents, families and staff come together in our school hall to continue the celebrations. We hold a special party where everyone can share in the joy of this important milestone in the children’s faith journey.

This celebration reflects the strong partnership between our school, families and parish community and helps children feel supported and valued as they grow in their faith.

# data[].attributes.body
Our local parishioners play an important role in the life of our school and visit our classes regularly throughout the year. Their support helps strengthen the close links between our school and parish community.

They work alongside the children in lessons, support us during Celebration of the Word and help classes to plan and prepare Masses and liturgical celebrations. Parishioners also take part in a wide range of other activities across school, sharing their experiences, faith and talents with the children.

These visits help pupils to understand the importance of community, service and faith in action. They also allow children to build meaningful relationships with members of the parish and see how our Catholic faith brings people together across generations.

# data[].attributes.body
At our school, we have a dedicated Catholic Life Team made up of children from across the school who help to lead and improve our Catholic community. This group combines the roles of our school council, green team and Catholic Life leaders.

The children play an active role in many areas of school life. They help to prepare and support Masses, lead Celebration of the Word, organise fundraising events and promote Catholic Social Teaching through their actions and projects. They also help to care for our environment by encouraging everyone to keep our school tidy and look after God’s world.

The Catholic Life Team meets every Friday to discuss ideas and ways to continue improving our school. Through their leadership, the children help make our school a caring, welcoming and faith-filled community where everyone feels Successful, Unique, Caring, Happy and Valued.

# data[].attributes.body
At our school, every class takes part in in-class liturgies twice each week. These special times of prayer and reflection help children to grow in their faith and develop a deeper understanding of worship and the Gospel message.

In Key Stage Two, the children independently plan and lead their own liturgies. They choose themes, scripture, prayers and reflections, helping them to build confidence, leadership skills and a stronger connection with their faith.

The following day, Key Stage Two pupils support children in Key Stage One by helping them to take part in their own class liturgies. This encourages teamwork, responsibility and positive relationships across the school. It also allows younger children to learn from older pupils and feel supported in developing their own understanding of prayer and worship.

These experiences help all children become active participants in the Catholic life of the school while promoting respect, compassion, confidence and service to others

# data[].attributes.body
Every Monday, Mrs Martin leads our Gospel Assembly using the Mark 10 Mission resources. During the assembly, children explore the Gospel for the week and learn about our weekly mission, helping them understand how they can live out Gospel values in their everyday lives.

Every Friday, selected children meet with Mr Shelton to reflect on how they have lived out the week’s Gospel Mission. This gives children the opportunity to share examples of kindness, service and faith in action across our school community.

# data[].attributes.body
Each week, our Key Stage and Celebration Assemblies begin with a focus on a different principle of Catholic Social Teaching. Through Bible readings, Gospel messages and discussion, children explore how these teachings can guide the way we live our lives.

During assemblies, pupils reflect on important themes such as dignity, compassion, stewardship, solidarity and caring for those in need. Together, we discuss practical ways that we can live out these principles at home, in school and within the wider community through our words, actions and relationships with others.

These assemblies help children to understand how faith can inspire positive action and encourage them to become responsible, caring and active members of society.

# data[].attributes.body
Our school displays celebrate and reflect the Catholic life of our community. Throughout the school, displays showcase children’s work, scripture, prayers and liturgical themes linked to the Church calendar and Religious Education topics.

These displays help to create a faith-filled environment where children are reminded of Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching in their everyday learning. They also celebrate the children’s achievements, creativity and spiritual development while encouraging reflection, prayer and discussion across the school.

# data[].attributes.body
During Advent, our school community comes together to prepare for the birth of Jesus through prayer, reflection and celebration.

Our Key Stage One children perform a special Nativity Service, retelling the Christmas story through songs, acting and prayer. Key Stage Two lead an Advent Service which helps children and families reflect on the meaning of Advent and prepare spiritually for Christmas.

We also celebrate through liturgical dance and our annual Carol Service, where children share readings, prayers and traditional carols with families and the parish community. These celebrations help children deepen their understanding of the Advent season while bringing our whole school community together in faith and joy.

# data[].attributes.body
Each year, our school comes together to celebrate a special Christingle Service during the Advent and Christmas season. Families are invited to join us as we reflect on the light and love of Christ through prayer, worship and singing.

During the service, the children learn about the meaning of the Christingle orange and its symbols. The orange represents the world, the candle symbolises Jesus as the Light of the World and the sweets and ribbon remind us of God’s love and the joy of creation.

As a whole school community, we gather around the Christmas tree to sing Christmas songs and carols together, creating a joyful and reflective celebration shared with families, staff and parish members.

# data[].attributes.body
At the beginning of Advent, parishioners visit our school to help the children make Advent wreaths for their classrooms. Working together, the children learn about the meaning and symbolism of the Advent wreath and how it helps us prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas.

These special sessions bring our school and parish community together and help children reflect on the themes of hope, peace, joy and love during the Advent season. The wreaths then become an important focus for prayer and reflection within each classroom throughout Advent.

# data[].attributes.body
Every Friday, our Catholic Life Team leads Rosary Club for children across the school. During these sessions, pupils come together in prayer and reflection as they learn more about the Rosary and the life of Mary.

The children help to lead prayers and create a calm, respectful atmosphere where everyone can take time to reflect and grow in their faith. Rosary Club encourages spiritual development, leadership and a sense of community while helping children deepen their relationship with God through prayer.

# data[].attributes.body
Each year, our school takes part in fundraising events to support CAFOD and help communities around the world.

This year, we raised money to support the creation of floating gardens in Bangladesh. These gardens help families continue to grow food during periods of flooding caused by climate change, providing a sustainable way for communities to care for their environment and support their families.

Through our fundraising, children learn about Catholic Social Teaching, global responsibility and the importance of helping those in need. It encourages them to live out Gospel values through compassion, justice and action.

# data[].attributes.body
In June 2026, our school raised money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. This linked to our class topics about protecting our oceans and caring for God’s creation.

The fundraising also connected to Catholic Social Teaching, especially the principles of stewardship, solidarity and the common good, helping children understand the importance of caring for both people and the planet.

# data[].attributes.body
Each year, our school holds a Rainbow Raffle where families donate coloured items to create hampers for those in need within our community.

This event helps children live out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly solidarity, the common good and the option for the poor. It encourages children to show kindness, generosity and compassion by supporting others and helping those most in need.

# data[].attributes.body
During the Jubilee Year, each class explored the theme of hope and new beginnings. Every class designed and decorated a classroom door to represent hope and the positive difference they wanted to make in the world.

The children also made class pledges linked to helping others, caring for God’s world and living out Gospel values. These pledges were shared and discussed during assembly, encouraging everyone to reflect on how we can make a positive difference in our school, community and wider world.

# data[].attributes.body
Good Shepherd Appeal – Pajama Day Success!

We took part in a fun Pajama Day to support the Good Shepherd Appeal. Everyone came to school wearing their cosy pajamas, slippers, and dressing gowns to help raise money for people in need.

We are very proud to say that together we raised an amazing £139! 🎉

Thank you to all the children, families, and staff who donated and joined in. Your kindness and generosity will help support the important work of the Good Shepherd Appeal and make a difference to others in our community.

Well done everyone for making our Pajama Day such a big success!

# data[].attributes.body
Each year, our whole trust community comes together to celebrate Mass with over 17 schools joining in worship and prayer. This special celebration helps children feel part of a wider Catholic community and strengthens the links between our schools.

During this year’s Trust Mass, our Year 5 children showed great courage and confidence by speaking and reading in front of more than 400 people. They represented our school beautifully and demonstrated our values through their faith, leadership and participation.

# data[].attributes.body
We value the strong partnership between school, home and parish, and all families are warmly welcomed to attend our in-school Masses and liturgical celebrations.

After each Mass, we host coffee mornings where families, staff and parishioners can come together socially and continue building our strong school community. These gatherings provide opportunities for conversation, support and celebration while helping families feel involved in the Catholic life of our school.

# data[].attributes.body
Each half term, we send home curriculum overviews and parent booklets so families can understand what their child will be learning in Religious Education.

These booklets provide information about the RE topics, scripture and themes being taught throughout the half term, helping parents to support and discuss learning at home. This strengthens the partnership between school and families and helps children continue their faith journey both in school and at home.

# data[].attributes.body
We took part in a special CAFOD Walk to help raise money for people around the world who need support. Everyone worked hard, showed great determination, and enjoyed taking part together.

We are incredibly proud to announce that we raised over £230! 🎉

A huge thank you to all the children, families, and staff who sponsored, donated, and supported the event. Your generosity will help CAFOD continue its important work supporting communities in need across the world.

Well done to everyone for making the CAFOD Walk such an amazing success! 🌍💚

# data[].attributes.body
Each half term, we send home curriculum overviews and parent booklets so families can understand what their child will be learning in Religious Education.

These booklets provide information about the RE topics, scripture and themes being taught throughout the half term, helping parents to support and discuss learning at home. This strengthens the partnership between school and families and helps children continue their faith journey both in school and at home.

# data[].attributes.body
Today, our children attended the whole Trust Mass at St Peter’s for the Good Shepherd Appeal alongside all 17 schools in our Trust.

The children took part in Mass and Adoration, joining together in prayer and reflection as one community. Each school also brought a ‘Sign of Peace’. Our school chose a real olive branch, a symbol of peace, hope, and unity.

The children represented our school beautifully throughout this special occasion. ✨

# data[].attributes.body
Every fortnight on a Wednesday, the whole school gathers together for hymn practice led by Mr Hall. Our Hymn Leaders team supports Mr Hall by helping to lead the singing, encouraging participation and setting a positive example for the rest of the school. These sessions help us prepare for special liturgical events and school Masses, ensuring that everyone can join together in worship through song. Thanks to these regular practices, we are now able to sing throughout the whole Mass, helping to make our celebrations even more prayerful and joyful.

# data[].attributes.body
During the Summer Term 2026, Father John led a special training session for our Prayer Leaders. He helped them develop their understanding of leadership in prayer, the importance of faith in school life, and ways to support others in their spiritual journey. The training gave our Prayer Leaders greater confidence to lead worship, organise prayer opportunities, and be positive role models within our Catholic community.