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Catholic Life

Catholic Life at Runnymede

At Runnymede St Edward’s Catholic Primary School, our Catholic faith is not simply something we teach – it is something we live, celebrate and share every day. Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice, Christ is at the heart of our school community. Through prayer, worship, service, celebration and action, we encourage every child to recognise their own unique God-given gifts and to use them to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Celebration is an essential part of Catholic life at Runnymede. Throughout the liturgical year, our children experience the richness of the Church’s seasons, traditions and feasts, developing a deepening understanding of their faith and recognising that God is present in the joys, challenges, achievements and everyday moments of our lives. Through Scripture, prayer, music, singing, drama, art, reflection and Collective Worship, children are given opportunities not only to learn about their faith, but to encounter it and live it.

Our school year is shaped beautifully by the rhythm of the Church. We begin each new academic year by welcoming children, families and staff into our community before joining St Edward’s College at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King to celebrate the Feast of St Edward. At Harvest, we give thanks for all that God has given us while remembering our responsibility to those who have less. Children and families generously support local food banks, charities and organisations such as CAFOD, turning prayer into practical action and demonstrating that faith calls us to serve others.

During Advent, our school becomes a place of joyful preparation and hope. Through Mass, Collective Worship, prayer and charitable giving, children prepare for the birth of Jesus while supporting others, including through our longstanding relationship with Nugent. Christmas is celebrated joyfully through Nativity performances, carol services on the steps of our beautiful school, concerts, prayer and song, bringing our entire community together.

The Spring Term begins with the celebration of the Epiphany before we journey together through Lent. Ash Wednesday, prayer and reflection help children understand the importance of repentance, forgiveness and renewal. Our children are encouraged to put their faith into action through acts of kindness, service and fundraising for the Good Shepherd Appeal. During Holy Week, pupils lead moving celebrations of the events of Jesus' Passion, Death and Resurrection, culminating in the joy and hope of Easter and the promise of new life.

The Summer Term brings further wonderful opportunities to celebrate our Catholic identity. Our annual May Day Procession is a particularly treasured Runnymede tradition, bringing our community together in prayer and devotion to Mary. We celebrate the feast of Blessed Edmund Rice, learning about his extraordinary life and considering how his example challenges each of us to see injustice, respond with compassion and make a difference.

Our Year 4 children celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, while our Year 6 pupils mark the end of their Runnymede journey through a special Leavers' Mass in St Edward's chapel before taking the values they have learned here into the next chapter of their lives.

Our Catholic mission extends far beyond Religious Education lessons. Inspired by the Edmund Rice Eight Essentials, we seek to build a community where every person is welcomed, valued and loved; where the dignity of each individual is recognised; where children develop a genuine concern for those who are vulnerable or marginalised; and where they understand their responsibility to care for our common home. Fundraising, charitable work, global partnerships and opportunities to serve others enable our children to understand that Catholic Social Teaching is not simply something to know – it is a call to action.

We are especially proud of our close relationship with the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King and of our unique identity as its official choir school. Music and worship have a very special place within the life of Runnymede, and our children have extraordinary opportunities to contribute to the liturgical life of the Cathedral. Although our families come from many different parishes and communities across the city, we also cherish our relationships with local parishes, particularly St Paul and St Timothy, strengthening the important partnership between home, school and Church.

Our Catholic life is enriched by everyone who belongs to Runnymede – our children, families, staff, governors, clergy, parishes, visitors and wider community. Together, we celebrate success, support one another through difficulty, give thanks for our blessings and look outward to those who need our help.

At Runnymede, we want every child to leave us knowing that faith is something to be lived courageously, joyfully and generously. Through our words and actions, we strive to follow the example of Jesus and Blessed Edmund Rice: welcoming everyone, standing alongside those in need, celebrating the gifts of others and recognising that each one of us has the power to make our world a better place.

This is Catholic life at Runnymede: faith lived, love shared, hope celebrated and service put into action.

 

Growing Hearts Club

We were delighted to lead the first ever Growing Hearts Club with Edmund Rice England and Sixth Form Students from St Edward's College. 

The programme was so successful it has now commenced in St. Albert's, Knowsley. If you would like to work with us please do let contact us.

Below is our 6-week club plan. Each week has:

  • A theme & value focus

  • Learning goal

  • Key activities

  • A short reflection or ritual to end the session

 

🌈 Edmund Rice Values Club — 6-Week Plan

Target group: Primary students (ages 8–12)
Session length: 60–90 minutes
Group size: 10–20 children
Core values: Compassion, Community, Participation, Empowerment, Reflection

 

Week 1 — “Finding Our Voice” (Communication & Connection)

Value focus: Community & Belonging
Goal: Build trust, learn active listening, and communicate clearly and kindly.

Activities:

  • Icebreaker Circle: “Name and Action” — each child says their name and a movement; the group copies.

  • Team Challenge: “Build the Tallest Tower” (using paper, tape, straws). Encourage discussion and shared planning.

  • Listening Game: “Pass the Message” or “Secret Sketch” — a fun reminder of how messages can change!

Reflection:

  • Circle time: “One way I helped someone today was…”

  • Create a “Club Charter” — shared rules for kindness, listening, and teamwork.

 

Week 2 — “Everyone Belongs” (Tolerance & Diversity)

Value focus: Inclusion & Respect
Goal: Celebrate differences and learn how diversity makes communities stronger.

Activities:

  • Story Circle: Read a picture book (e.g. The Invisible Boy or All Are Welcome). Discuss how it feels to belong or be left out.

  • Cultural Mosaic Art: Each child decorates a puzzle piece with symbols of their identity or something they love — combine into a “We Belong” wall mural.

  • Game: “Common Ground” — children step into a circle when a statement applies (“I love music,” “I speak another language,” etc.)

Reflection:

  • “Something that makes me unique is…”

  • Link to Edmund Rice’s call to stand with others and value every person.

 

Week 3 — “I Am Enough” (Self-Esteem & Confidence)

Value focus: Empowerment
Goal: Encourage positive self-talk and confidence in individual strengths.

Activities:

  • Warm-Up: “Superhero Stances” — children pose powerfully and share their superhero name and power (e.g., “Kindness Kid”).

  • Activity: “My Strength Shield” — draw a shield divided into 4 parts (skills, people who help me, proud moments, dreams).

  • Game: “Compliment Circle” — each child passes an object around and gives a positive comment to the next person.

Reflection:

  • “One thing I like about myself is…”

  • Add “Kindness Stars” to a group poster whenever someone notices a peer showing confidence or courage.

 

Week 4 — “Knowing Me” (Self-Awareness & Emotions)

Value focus: Reflection & Compassion
Goal: Help children recognize and manage emotions, and understand how feelings affect behavior.

Activities:

  • Emotion Charades: Act out different feelings and guess them.

  • Inside-Outside Masks: Decorate masks showing “what I show others” vs “what I feel inside.” Discuss why we sometimes hide emotions.

  • Calm-Down Strategies: Introduce breathing, mindfulness, or gratitude practice.

Reflection:

  • “Today I felt ___ when ___.”

  • End with a quiet gratitude circle or short breathing exercise.

 

Week 5 — “Bouncing Back” (Resilience)

Value focus: Hope & Courage
Goal: Develop problem-solving skills and perseverance.

Activities:

  • Story Starter: Read or watch a clip of someone overcoming a challenge.

  • Obstacle Course: Physical challenge requiring teamwork and encouragement — highlight persistence.

  • “What Would You Do?” Scenarios: Practice responding to setbacks (e.g., losing a game, a friend being unkind).

Reflection:

  • “One time I didn’t give up was when…”

  • Create a “Resilience Rainbow” mural with strategies that help them stay strong.

 

Week 6 — “Reach for the Stars” (Challenging Myself & Celebration)

Value focus: Participation & Celebration
Goal: Encourage goal-setting, taking positive risks, and celebrating growth.

Activities:

  • Goal Ladder: Each child sets a small personal goal (“I will speak up,” “I’ll try something new”) and draws steps toward it.

  • Team Challenge: A creative project (e.g., group performance, art piece, or community act of kindness).

  • Celebration Circle: Share achievements from the past six weeks; certificates or “values badges” for everyone.

Reflection:

  • “Something I’ve learned about myself is…”

  • Closing ritual — group cheer or song celebrating community.

 

✨ Optional Components

  • “Value of the Week” Token: Give a small token (like a shell or bead) to a child who modeled the week’s theme — they pass it on next time.

  • Service Element: In week 6, link learning to an act of service (e.g., making kindness cards for others in school).

  • Parent/Guardian Showcase: Invite families to view artwork or a short performance.

  1. poster growing hearts (1)

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