Prayer is central to life at St Anne’s Catholic Primary School and plays a vital role in nurturing the religious dimension of education. It is not simply an act of devotion but an expression of our Catholic identity, which underpins all aspects of school life. Through prayer, pupils are supported in their spiritual growth and are encouraged to develop a deeper relationship with God within a caring and faith-filled community.
As a Catholic school, St Anne’s seeks to provide an environment in which pupils can grow in their love of Christ and the Church. Prayer is embedded throughout the curriculum and daily life of the school, enabling pupils to connect their learning with their faith. The Congregation for Catholic Education describes prayer as the “fullest and most complete expression of the religious dimension” of the school, highlighting its importance in supporting pupils’ spiritual development alongside academic progress.
Prayer is a regular and valued part of each school day at St Anne’s. Pupils take part in daily prayers, including morning prayer, grace before meals, and opportunities for communal and reflective prayer. These moments help pupils to develop the habit of turning to God for guidance, comfort, and thanksgiving, particularly during times of challenge or change.
Prayer brings together pupils, staff, families, and the wider parish community, fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared faith. Pupils are encouraged to pray for one another, for their teachers, and for the needs of the wider world. This shared prayer life promotes compassion, mutual support, and respect, helping to create a nurturing and inclusive school community rooted in Gospel values.
Prayer is closely linked to Religious Education and wider curriculum experiences at St Anne’s. Pope Saint John Paul II described religious education as “the core of the core curriculum,” recognising its central role in Catholic education. By integrating prayer into learning, pupils are given opportunities not only to learn about their faith but to experience it through worship, reflection, and action.
While St Anne’s is firmly rooted in the Catholic tradition, we respect and value the diverse beliefs of pupils and families from other faith backgrounds. All pupils are welcomed and included, and their beliefs are respected, while the Catholic ethos of the school remains clear and central to its mission.
Prayer at St Anne’s Catholic Primary School is fundamental to the formation of the whole child. Through prayer, pupils are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with God, grow in faith and moral understanding, and live out Gospel values in their daily lives. This commitment to prayer reflects the wider mission of Catholic education: to nurture individuals who are academically capable, spiritually enriched, and prepared to serve God and others.