Every class in Saint Agnes is named after a Saint; the year of Adoremus inspired us as we learned about key figures who devoted their life to Christ. All children learn about their class Saint and how God shaped their faith and actions. As they transition to their new class at the beginning of every academic year, they learn about their class Saint and throughout the academic year, they make links to other class saints and Scripture they study
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But the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come.’ Daniel 7:18
Nursery
Saint Catherine of Siena
At St. Agnes Catholic Primary School, we take great pride in celebrating the lives and legacies of the saints who have inspired our faith and guided us on our spiritual journeys. One such saint, who holds particular significance for our nursery pupils, is Saint Catherine of Siena.
The Life of Saint Catherine of Siena
Saint Catherine of Siena was a remarkable woman who lived in the 14th century. Born in Siena, Italy, she dedicated her life to serving others and advocating for the Catholic Church. Despite facing many challenges and adversities, Catherine remained steadfast in her faith and commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
Servant of God and the Church
Catherine's deep devotion to God and the Catholic faith led her to become a Third Order Dominican, a group of lay people who followed the teachings of Saint Dominic. She spent much of her life caring for the sick and the poor, and she also played a crucial role in persuading the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon, France, where the papacy had been based for several decades.
Spiritual Writings and Visions
Catherine was known for her profound spiritual insights and mystical experiences. She authored numerous letters and treatises that are still revered today for their wisdom and inspiration. Catherine also experienced vivid visions and ecstasies, which she believed were gifts from God to guide her in her mission.
Importance to Our Nursery
Saint Catherine of Siena's life and legacy hold special significance for our nursery pupils at St. Agnes. As a young woman, Catherine demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her faith and a deep desire to serve others, even in the face of adversity. These qualities align perfectly with our school's core values of Believe, Persevere, Contribute, and Achieve.
By learning about Saint Catherine's life and example, our nursery pupils can be inspired to cultivate their own sense of faith, compassion, and determination. Her story encourages them to believe in themselves, persevere through challenges, contribute to their community, and strive to achieve their full potential.
Through the study of Saint Catherine's life, our nursery pupils can gain a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, the importance of service, and the transformative power of unwavering commitment and spiritual devotion.
Conclusion
At St. Agnes Catholic Primary School, we are proud to honour the life and legacy of Saint Catherine of Siena. Her story serves as a shining example of the values we strive to instil in our pupils, particularly in our nurturing nursery environment. By learning about Saint Catherine's remarkable life, our young pupils can be inspired to follow in her footsteps, becoming faithful, compassionate, and dedicated individuals who make a positive impact on the world around them.
Reception
Saint Bernadette
At St. Agnes Catholic Primary School, we take great pride in celebrating the lives of influential Catholic saints and the lessons they offer our community. One such saint who holds a special significance for our nursery pupils is Saint Bernadette.
The Life of Saint Bernadette
Saint Bernadette Soubirous was a young French girl who lived in the 19th century. In 1858, when Bernadette was just 14 years old, she had a series of visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France. During these visions, the Virgin Mary, known as "Our Lady of Lourdes," spoke to Bernadette and instructed her to dig a spring in the ground, which later became a site of miraculous healings.
Bernadette's unwavering faith and her willingness to follow the Virgin Mary's guidance, despite the scepticism of those around her, have made her an inspiring figure for Catholics worldwide. Her story teaches us the importance of humility, perseverance, and trusting in God's plan, even when it may not make sense to us.
Relevance to Our Nursery
For our nursery pupils, the story of Saint Bernadette holds particular relevance. As young children, our nursery students are just beginning their spiritual journeys and are learning the foundations of their Catholic faith. The tale of a young girl who experienced divine visions and remained steadfast in her beliefs resonates with our youngest learners, inspiring them to approach their faith with wonder, curiosity, and a willingness to follow where God leads.
By introducing our nursery pupils to the life of Saint Bernadette, we aim to instil in them the school's core values of Believe, Persevere, Contribute, and Achieve. Bernadette's story demonstrates the power of belief, the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, and the ability to make a meaningful contribution to one's community and the world. Through her example, our nursery students can aspire to achieve greatness in their own lives, guided by their faith and the support of the St. Agnes community.
Conclusion
The life of Saint Bernadette serves as a shining example of the transformative power of faith and the importance of following one's spiritual calling, no matter the obstacles. At St. Agnes Catholic Primary School, we are proud to honour this remarkable saint and to share her story with our youngest learners, inspiring them to embrace their Catholic heritage and to strive for excellence in all they do.
Year 1
Saint George
At St. Agnes Catholic Primary School, we take great pride in celebrating the life and legacy of Saint George, a revered figure in the Christian faith. As a voluntary-aided school, we are committed to upholding the values and traditions of the Catholic Church, and Saint George's story holds a special place in our school community.
The Life of Saint George
Saint George was a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century AD. He was a Roman soldier known for his bravery and unwavering faith. According to legend, Saint George slew a dragon that was terrorising a local town, saving the life of a young princess. This act of heroism has made him a symbol of courage, strength, and the triumph of good over evil.
Significance for Year 1 Pupils
For our Year 1 pupils, the story of Saint George holds particular significance. As they embark on their educational journey, we encourage them to emulate the virtues of Saint George – to be brave, to stand up for their beliefs, and to protect the vulnerable. Through engaging lessons and activities, our Year 1 teachers bring this timeless tale to life, helping our young learners to understand the importance of faith, perseverance, and making a positive difference in the world.
Reflecting Our School's Values
The life of Saint George aligns perfectly with the core values of our school: Believe, Persevere, Contribute, and Achieve. We believe that by following the example of Saint George, our pupils will be inspired to believe in themselves, persevere through challenges, contribute to their community, and ultimately achieve their full potential.
As a school community, we take great pride in celebrating the feast of Saint George each year, with special assemblies, prayers, and activities that engage our pupils and their families. This annual event is a cherished tradition that strengthens our sense of identity and connection to the Catholic faith.
We invite our wider community to join us in honouring the life and legacy of Saint George, and to be inspired by the values he embodied – values that are at the heart of our school's mission and the education we provide to our pupils.
Year 2
Saint Patrick
At St. Agnes Catholic Primary School, we are proud to celebrate the life and legacy of Saint Patrick, a figure of great significance in the Catholic faith and an inspiration for our school community.
The Life of Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick was a 5th-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. He is widely regarded as the patron saint of Ireland and is celebrated annually on March 17th, known as St. Patrick's Day.
Born in Britain, Patrick was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. During his captivity, he found solace in his faith and had a vision that inspired him to escape and return to his homeland. After becoming a priest, Patrick felt called to return to Ireland to spread the message of Christianity.
Importance to Year 2
For our Year 2 pupils, the story of Saint Patrick holds particular significance. As they learn about the lives of important historical figures, Saint Patrick's journey of faith, perseverance, and service to others serves as a powerful example of the values we hold dear at St. Agnes.
Through the lens of Saint Patrick's life, our Year 2 pupils are encouraged to:
- Believe: Like Saint Patrick, we believe in the transformative power of faith and the ability to overcome adversity.
- Persevere: Saint Patrick's determination to escape captivity and return to Ireland to spread the Gospel inspires our pupils to persevere in the face of challenges.
- Contribute: Saint Patrick's dedication to serving the people of Ireland and sharing the Catholic faith aligns with our school's mission to contribute to the wider community.
Conclusion
At St. Agnes Catholic Primary School, we are honoured to celebrate the life and legacy of Saint Patrick. His story of faith, resilience, and service to others serves as a shining example for our school community, particularly our Year 2 pupils, as they continue on their educational journey and strive to embody the values of our school.
Year 3
Saint Andrew
At St. Agnes Catholic Primary School, we are proud to celebrate the life and legacy of Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. As a voluntary-aided school, we are committed to instilling the values of our Catholic faith in our pupils, and Saint Andrew's story serves as an inspiring example of discipleship, courage, and service.
The Life of Saint Andrew
Saint Andrew was a Galilean fisherman who was called by Jesus to be one of his first disciples. According to the Gospels, Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter and was the first disciple to be called by Jesus. After encountering Jesus, Andrew immediately went to find his brother and told him, "We have found the Messiah" (John 1:41).
Throughout his life, Saint Andrew demonstrated unwavering faith and a deep commitment to following Jesus. He was present at many of the significant events in Jesus' ministry, including the feeding of the five thousand and the crucifixion. After the resurrection, Andrew continued to spread the Good News, eventually becoming the patron saint of Scotland and the founder of the Church of Byzantium.
The Importance of Saint Andrew for Year 3
As our Year 3 pupils embark on their faith journey, the story of Saint Andrew holds particular significance. At this age, children are beginning to develop a deeper understanding of their Catholic identity and the role of the saints in their lives. By learning about Saint Andrew's life and his close relationship with Jesus, our Year 3 pupils can be inspired to:
- Believe: Like Saint Andrew, our pupils can have faith in Jesus and trust in His plan for their lives.
- Persevere: When faced with challenges, our pupils can follow Saint Andrew's example of steadfast discipleship and perseverance.
- Contribute: Through their actions and service, our Year 3 pupils can contribute to the life of the school, the parish, and the wider community, just as Saint Andrew did.
At St. Agnes Catholic Primary School, we are committed to nurturing the spiritual and academic growth of our pupils. By celebrating the life of Saint Andrew, we are able to inspire our Year 3 pupils to strengthen their faith, persevere in the face of challenges, and contribute to the betterment of our community. Through this and other initiatives, we strive to fulfil our school's vision and values, guiding our pupils to become the best versions of themselves.
Year 4
Saint David
At St. Agnes Catholic Primary School, we are proud to honour the life and legacy of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. As a voluntary aided school, we are committed to instilling in our pupils the values and teachings that have guided the Catholic faith for centuries.
The Life of Saint David
Saint David, also known as Dewi Sant, was a 6th-century Welsh bishop and monastic founder. He is believed to have been born in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and is revered for his piety, humility, and dedication to serving others. Throughout his life, Saint David established numerous monasteries and churches, where he and his fellow monks lived a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle focused on prayer, study, and manual labour.
One of the most notable events in Saint David's life was his role in the Synod of Brefi, where he spoke passionately against the Pelagian heresy, a theological belief that denied the need for divine grace. His eloquence and unwavering faith in the teachings of the Catholic Church earned him great respect among his peers, and he was eventually consecrated as the Bishop of Menevia (now known as St. David's).
Saint David's Importance to Year 4
As our Year 4 pupils embark on their educational journey, we believe it is essential to introduce them to the life and teachings of Saint David. Through this exploration, they will gain a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, its rich history, and the individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving God and their communities.
By learning about Saint David's commitment to humility, service, and spiritual growth, our Year 4 pupils will be inspired to emulate these virtues in their own lives. They will be encouraged to reflect on the importance of perseverance, contribution, and achieving their full potential - values that are at the heart of our school's ethos.
Moreover, as a school with a strong Catholic identity, we believe that honouring the legacy of Saint David will help our pupils develop a greater sense of belonging and connection to the broader Catholic community. This, in turn, will foster a deeper appreciation for their own faith and the traditions that have shaped it.
Conclusion
At St. Agnes Catholic Primary School, we are committed to nurturing the spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth of our pupils. By celebrating the life and legacy of Saint David, we aim to inspire our Year 4 pupils to embody the values of the Catholic faith and to strive for excellence in all that they do. Through this exploration, we hope to deepen their understanding of their own faith and their role within the wider community.
Year 5
Saint Theresa of CalcuttaAt St. Agnes Catholic Primary School, we are proud to celebrate the life and legacy of Saint Theresa of Calcutta, a remarkable figure who exemplified our school's core values of Belief, Perseverance, Contribution, and Achievement.
BeliefSaint Theresa, known as Mother Theresa, dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor, driven by her unwavering belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. Her tireless work in Calcutta, India, caring for the destitute, the dying, and the forgotten, is a testament to her deep faith and her conviction that we are all children of God, deserving of love and compassion.
PerseveranceMother Theresa's journey was not without its challenges, but she faced them with remarkable resilience and determination. Despite the overwhelming needs she encountered, she persevered, driven by her belief that even the smallest act of kindness can make a profound difference. Her example inspires us to persevere in the face of adversity, to turn to one another and to God for strength, and to never give up on our mission to make a positive impact.
ContributionThroughout her life, Mother Theresa made an immeasurable contribution to the world, founding the Missionaries of Charity and establishing centres of care and compassion in numerous countries. Her work extended far beyond the borders of Calcutta, as she advocated for the dignity and rights of the marginalised, the sick, and the forgotten. In this way, she embodied our school's commitment to contributing to the life of the school, the parish, the local community, and the wider world.
AchievementBy dedicating her life to serving others, Mother Theresa achieved a level of greatness that transcends earthly measures of success. Her selfless acts, her unwavering faith, and her profound impact on the lives of countless individuals serve as a shining example of what it means to be the best we can be. Through her life and legacy, she has shown us that true achievement lies not in personal gain, but in making a difference in the lives of others.
As we reflect on the life of Saint Theresa of Calcutta, we are inspired to follow in her footsteps, to live out our school's values, and to make a lasting positive impact on our community and the world around us. Her story reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can change the course of a life, and that by working together, we can achieve remarkable things.
Year 6
Saint Josephine Bakhita
At St. Agnes Catholic Primary School, we are committed to nurturing the spiritual and moral development of our pupils, guided by the example of inspiring figures from the Catholic faith. One such individual who holds great significance for our Year 6 pupils is Saint Josephine Bakhita.
The Life of Saint Josephine BakhitaSaint Josephine Bakhita was born in 1869 in the Darfur region of Sudan. As a young girl, she was tragically kidnapped and sold into slavery, enduring years of brutal treatment and suffering. Despite the immense hardship she faced, Josephine's unwavering faith in God and her remarkable resilience shone through.
After being freed from slavery, Josephine found solace in the Catholic Church, eventually becoming a Canossian sister. She dedicated her life to serving others and spreading the message of God's love and forgiveness. Josephine's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith, compassion, and the human spirit.
Josephine Bakhita and Our School ValuesAt St. Agnes, we strive to embody the virtues exemplified by Saint Josephine Bakhita. Her life reflects our school's core values of Believe, Persevere, Contribute, and Achieve.
Believe: Josephine's unwavering faith in God, even during her darkest moments, inspires our pupils to believe in themselves and the power of divine love.
Persevere: Despite the immense challenges she faced, Josephine persevered, finding the strength to overcome adversity and forge a path towards freedom and redemption. This resilience is a testament to the values we instil in our pupils.
Contribute: Josephine's selfless dedication to serving others and spreading the message of God's love is a shining example of the positive impact our pupils can have on their local and global communities.
Achieve: Through her remarkable journey and her legacy of compassion, Josephine Bakhita has achieved a lasting impact, inspiring generations to come. This serves as a powerful reminder to our pupils of what they can accomplish when they embrace their faith, their values, and their potential.
By exploring the life and legacy of Saint Josephine Bakhita, our Year 6 pupils will be encouraged to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, to cultivate their own spiritual and moral development, and to aspire to make a positive difference in the world, just as Josephine did.
