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The Good Shepherd
Catholic Primary School
“I am the Good Shepherd; I know my own and my own know me”. John 10:14"
Branch 1 Creation & Covenant
During this branch, year 1 explore how Creation marks the first step in the covenant that God forms with His people. In Year 1, pupils explored the origins of the world and the nature of existence. Pupils learned about the Christian belief that everything in the universe originates from God, the Creator, whom Christians refer to as the Father. This belief is rooted in Scripture and expressed in the prayers of the Catholic Church. We also discussed our responsibility to care for the world that God created.
We began by reflecting on the opening words of the Nicene Creed, affirming the belief that all that exists—both visible and invisible—comes from God. We then studied the "Our Father" prayer, exploring its meaning and significance. The children engaged in discussions about prayer, how it makes them feel, and its role in their lives. They also had the opportunity to visit the Mary Garden and offer prayers.
During Laudato Si' week, the children put their faith into action, gaining a deeper understanding of how to care for the environment. They visited Ravenscourt Park Glasshouses, further reflecting on their role in protecting and nurturing the world around them through planning parsley and creating nature art.
Assembly Performance
In Year 1, the children performed the song "Wonders I See" during assembly. They spent the first three weeks of the school year learning the song, incorporating actions and expressions to deepen their understanding of Creation. Through this performance, the children not only celebrated the beauty of God's creation but also expressed their gratitude for the wonders of the world that God has made.
Laudato Si' Trip - Ravenscourt Glasshouses
During Laudato Si' Week, the children visited Ravenscourt Park, where they put their faith into action by engaging in environmental activities. They planted parsley and created nature-inspired art, connecting with the natural world and learning how to care for it. Through these hands-on experiences, the children deepened their understanding of stewardship and their responsibility to protect and nurture God's creation.
Role Play - How to Pray
The children learned that Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, and the prayer He gave them was the Our Father. They took time to learn and reflect on this prayer, discussing its meaning and exploring how prayer makes them feel. The children also had the opportunity to visit the Mary Garden, where they could offer a prayer to God, deepening their connection to their faith and practice of prayer.
Laudato Si'
The children learned about Laudato Si', a special letter written by Pope Francis that calls for care and respect for our common home, the Earth. To reflect this message, the children created their own representations of the world, placing their hands on either side of it to symbolize the care and protection they are responsible for. They then wrote their own "caring challenge," pledging to take action in ways that demonstrate their commitment to protecting the environment.
Fr. Mark Visit
Fr. Mark visited the Year 1 class and read Scripture from Genesis 1 to the children, sharing the story of Creation. The children had the opportunity to ask Fr. Mark questions about Creation and the Our Father prayer, deepening their understanding of both the world God created and the importance of prayer in their lives.
10 things I can do to care for the world
The children read the book 10 Things I Can Do to Care for the World, which helped them connect with the message of Laudato Si' and gain a deeper understanding of how they can care for the environment. They discussed practical actions such as switching off lights when not in use, disposing of rubbish correctly, and feeding birds in winter to help them prepare for breeding in spring. Through these discussions, the children learned that even small acts can make a big difference in caring for God's creation.