The school recognises the importance of children having a sound understanding of their faith, its stories, teachings and practices. The school follows the “Come and See” scheme of work which is approved by the Diocese of Southwark. Religion lessons aim to inspire and engage pupils, developing their understanding and skills whilst recognising the unique nature of the subject and the importance of cultivating a sense of awe and wonder. Inclusion is an important part of all of our teaching and learning and pupils achieve highly in Religious Education and making good progress both during the year and throughout their time at the school.
Catholic Life of the school
Catholic Life at Saint Mary Magdalen's
Our pupils take pride in their faith and live out the Church’s teachings through their words and actions. This includes welcoming, including and celebrating pupils who have different beliefs. They have an acute understanding of what’s right and wrong. They achieve happiness through self-respect and respect for others. They embrace and understand their own community and are always curious and interested in the wider community and how they can contribute to a better world for all.
Throughout the year they direct and contribute to our learning environment, acts of worship, charitable activities, fund-raising, and celebrations all of which develop the Catholic character of our school and prepare them for their lives beyond the school gates.
Further reading
Religious Education
Education Commission - Catholic Diocese of Southwark
Please find below our latest Denominational Inspection report
Catholic Social Teaching
At Saint Mary Magdalen’s Catholic Primary School, Catholic Social Teaching is incorporated into our curriculum. Children are asked to put their faith into action and reflect on how their learning enables them to do so. Liturgies refer to Catholic Social Teaching which helps make the worship relevant to our lives today.
Prayer and Liturgy
Pupils participate in a wide variety of prayer and liturgies throughout each week including whole school, phase and class acts of worship. We also encourage pupils to take time for prayer and reflection on a more personal level and provide opportunities for larger celebrations with the wider school and church community. Our pupils are reverent and reflective at times of Prayer and Liturgies. The pupils are knowledgeable about their faith, which they act upon visibly through prayer and worship. Children lead acts of prayer and liturgies throughout the year and plan and carry out their own acts of liturgies.
Parish Links
Saint Mary Magdalen’s Catholic Church Mortlake
Our school has strong links with St Mary Magdalen Church; together we are at the heart of a close-knit and thriving parish life. Our Parish Priest, Fr Adrian McKenna-Whyte, plays an active part in daily school life and worship. Throughout the academic year, individual classes prepare and celebrate liturgies, which parents are invited to share in and the whole school worships together in the Church or the school hall.
In Year 3, Fr. McKenna-Whyte helps Catholic pupils prepare for their First Holy Communion through the parish. There is also an important role for parents in this preparation, which complements what the children are learning through the Year 3 RE curriculum.
Many of our pupils attend the popular Children’s Liturgy sessions at 9.30 Mass each Sunday, which are also open to pre-school children. And from Year 3 upwards, both boys and girls are invited to learn how to serve Mass.
Pupil Chaplains
At St Mary Magdalen’s, we have a team of dedicated Year 5 and 6 Pupil Chaplains who promote the Catholic Ethos of our school. Pupil Chaplaincy has a high profile in our school. Pupil Chaplains are commissioned by our Parish Priest, Father Adrian in school through Mass, and the ceremony is attended by the whole school and the families of the new Pupil Chaplains.
Our Pupil Chaplains are a very dedicated team who have a vital role in enhancing the Religious and Spiritual Life of our school. Their roles include delivering class Prayer and Liturgies, leading prayers and reflections in assemblies and Liturgical events, fundraising events, and encouraging the children to be active global citizens.
We are very proud of our Pupil Chaplains.