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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 2 Prophecy & Promise
Pupils are developing an understanding that, for Christians, the Christmas story reveals God’s love through the sending of Jesus, His Son. Pupils are exploring the Bible as a special book, particularly focusing on the Gospel accounts that reveal how people came to know God and the Good News of Jesus.
Pupils are learning to sequence the events of the Nativity, from the Annunciation to the visit of the shepherds, understanding the importance of each moment. Pupils are exploring the Annunciation as a key event, recognising how God called Mary and how her “Yes” makes her an important figure for Christians. Additionally, pupils are connecting the words of the Angel Gabriel with the opening lines of the Hail Mary and identify the angelic message in the Gloria, seeing how these prayers are rooted in the Christmas story. They are recognising that angels, as messengers, bring God’s message and affirm Jesus as the Son of God.
Through creative thinking and discussion, pupils are reflecting on these events and respond by beginning to join in with the Hail Mary, saying or singing the Gloria, and discussing how Christians celebrate Jesus' birth in their community.
For Catholic Social Teaching the pupils are focusing on the preferential option for the poor. Pupils are reflecting on ways they can support those in need by considering what they might give up, such as a small treat, to help others. They are exploring how Christians in their local parish work together—through food drives, charity events, and community support initiatives—to live out their faith and care for those less fortunate. This reflection will help pupils understand the importance of compassion, solidarity, and the impact of small sacrifices in supporting their community.
Nativity
In the EYFS and KS1 Nativity, the children took on the role of angels, bringing a magical and joyful energy to the performance. Dressed in shining costumes, they helped convey the heavenly message of peace and goodwill to all. As they "announced" the birth of Jesus, the children eagerly participated by singing carols, smiling brightly, and acting out the pivotal moment when the angels appeared to the shepherds. Their enthusiasm and innocence added a sense of wonder to the Nativity story, helping to bring the angelic proclamation to life for the audience. Through their roles, the children were able to experience the significance of the angel’s message and share in the excitement of the Christmas story in a fun and memorable way.
Godly Play - Nativity
In their lesson, the children explored the biblical story of the angels appearing to the shepherds on the night of Jesus' birth. They learned about the significance of the angels' message of peace and joy, and how the shepherds were filled with awe and wonder upon seeing the heavenly hosts. To deepen their understanding, the class participated in a "hot seat" activity where a few students took on the roles of the shepherds, while the rest of the class asked them various questions about their experience. The questions ranged from how they felt when they saw the angels, to what they thought the message meant for them. This engaging activity helped the children connect more deeply with the story and practice thinking critically about the emotions and reactions of the shepherds in the biblical account.
Shepherd Hot Seating
In their lesson, the children explored the biblical story (Luke 2:8-14) of the angels appearing to the shepherds on the night of Jesus' birth. They learned about the significance of the angels' message of peace and joy, and how the shepherds were filled with awe and wonder upon seeing the heavenly hosts. To deepen their understanding, the class participated in a "hot seat" activity where a few pupils took on the roles of the shepherds, while the rest of the class asked them various questions about their experience. The questions ranged from how they felt when they saw the angels, to what they thought the message meant for them. This engaging activity helped the children connect more deeply with the story and practice thinking critically about the emotions and reactions of the shepherds in the biblical account.