Catholic Life

At Carleton House Preparatory School, we are proud to be a Catholic school where faith underpins all aspects of daily life.

Our pupils are supported to grow in faith through prayer, worship, service and participation in the life of the Church. Faith is not only taught, but encountered and lived, enabling pupils to develop a strong sense of identity, purpose and responsibility.

Prayer and Liturgy

Prayer and Liturgy are central to the life of the school and provide a foundation for spiritual growth.

Pupils take part in a structured approach to Prayer and Liturgy, enabling them to:

• Gather in a calm and reflective way
• Listen to Scripture
• Reflect and respond thoughtfully
• Go forth and live out their faith

Daily opportunities for prayer take place within the classroom, alongside regular whole-school Prayer and Liturgy. These are carefully planned in line with the liturgical year, supporting pupils in developing a deeper understanding of faith.

Pupils participate with reverence and growing confidence, and are increasingly supported to take an active role in planning and leading worship.

Mass and Liturgical Celebrations

Pupils regularly experience the richness of Catholic worship through participation in Mass and key liturgical celebrations.

As a school community, we come together to celebrate Mass at significant points in the school year, including:

• The start of the new academic year
• Lenten and Advent celebrations
• Year 6 Leavers’ Mass
• Whole School and Parish Celebrations

These shared experiences are important moments in the life of the school, bringing pupils, staff and families together in prayer and reflection.

Through these opportunities, pupils develop a deeper understanding of the Eucharist and their place within the wider Church.

Links with Parish and the Wider Church

Our strong partnership with Bishop Eton Parish and the Archdiocese of Liverpool is central to our Catholic Life.

We are privileged to welcome Fr Tim, who is a regular and valued visitor to the school. He supports our Catholic Life by:

• Visiting classrooms to speak with pupils about the liturgical year and key aspects of faith
• Leading and supporting liturgical celebrations
• Strengthening the connection between school and parish

These experiences help pupils to see faith lived beyond the classroom and to develop a deeper sense of belonging to the Church community.

We continue to build on these links, creating further opportunities for pupils and families to engage with parish life.

Pupil Leadership in Catholic Life

Pupils play an active and valued role in shaping the Catholic Life of the school.

RE Ambassadors support and lead aspects of Catholic Life by:

• Assisting with Prayer and Liturgy
• Supporting the preparation of worship and reflection activities
• Promoting Catholic values across the school
• Acting as role models for younger pupils

Alongside this, pupils are given increasing opportunities to:

• Lead elements of prayer and liturgy
• Take responsibility within school celebrations
• Contribute to discussions about faith and mission

This supports pupils in developing confidence, leadership and a strong sense of service.

Living Out Catholic Social Teaching

Pupils are encouraged to live their faith through action.

We place a strong emphasis on Catholic Social Teaching, helping pupils to understand their responsibility to care for others and for God’s creation.

This is reflected through:

• Our work with CAFOD
• Our achievement of the LiveSimply Award
• Environmental and sustainability initiatives
• Opportunities to reflect on justice, dignity and the common good

Through these experiences, pupils develop an understanding that faith calls us to act with compassion and responsibility.

Charity, Fundraising and Outreach

Service to others is an important part of Catholic Life at Carleton House.

Pupils take part in a wide range of charitable and fundraising activities, supporting:

• Local charities within our community
• National causes
• International appeals

These opportunities enable pupils to:

• Develop compassion and generosity
• Understand the needs of others
• Recognise their role in contributing to the common good

Growing in Faith Together

At Carleton House, Catholic Life is a shared journey between pupils, staff, families and the wider community.

Through prayer, worship, service and leadership, pupils are supported to grow as individuals who:

• Understand and live out their faith
• Show care and compassion for others
• Recognise their role in making a positive difference in the world

Together, we continue to grow in faith and live out the teachings of Jesus in all that we do.