Religious Education
The Religious Education (RE) curriculum at Holy Family Catholic High School is a thoughtfully crafted program, deeply anchored in Gospel Values and the Catholic faith. It seeks to holistically develop students spiritually, morally, and intellectually, while instilling key values that guide their lives. Here's a closer look at the foundational principles of this curriculum:
Core Pillars of the RE Curriculum
Love
The curriculum prioritizes fostering a deep understanding and practice of love within the school community. Students explore the profound love of God as revealed in the Bible and through the life of Jesus Christ. Through lessons on parables like the Good Samaritan, students are encouraged to reflect on and emulate God’s unconditional love by showing compassion and kindness toward others.
Respect
Respect underpins every aspect of the curriculum. Lessons emphasize the intrinsic dignity of all people, as taught by the Catholic Church, and encourage students to practice empathy and understanding. By studying the sacraments and their significance, such as the Eucharist, students are also guided to show reverence for God and sacred traditions, fostering a sense of respect for both the divine and the diversity of human experiences.
Service
Inspired by Jesus’ teachings and example, the curriculum highlights the importance of serving others. Students engage in service projects and discussions on ethical dilemmas, applying their faith to real-world contexts. This hands-on approach helps them understand the transformative power of service and encourages them to contribute positively to their communities.
Ambition
The RE program instils ambition by encouraging students to strive for excellence, both personally and spiritually. It challenges them to develop their talents and use them for the greater good, emphasizing that ambition aligned with Catholic values is not only about achieving personal success but also about serving God and humanity.
Delivered by Specialists
At Holy Family Catholic High School, Religious Education is delivered entirely by dedicated subject specialists. This ensures that students receive high-quality instruction rooted in deep theological understanding and pedagogical expertise. The subject specialists are passionate about their field and are committed to providing a meaningful and enriching educational experience.
Development Across Years
From Year 7 through Year 13, the RE curriculum evolves to deepen students’ understanding of their Catholic faith. It fosters a personal relationship with God and equips students with the critical thinking skills and moral foundation necessary to navigate complex societal issues. The program aims to prepare students to be compassionate, ethical, and active participants in society.
Guided by Gospel Values
The RE curriculum at Holy Family Catholic High School not only nurtures faith but also promotes a lifelong commitment to Gospel Values. By combining spiritual growth with intellectual inquiry, the program empowers students to live authentically as followers of Christ, contributing to a world that values love, respect, service, and ambition.
For further information see our RE Curriculum pages
Prayer and Liturgy
Our School Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Inspired by Your Spirit, we gather together as the Holy Family community.
Guide us to follow the example of Jesus in all that we do. Help us to strive for excellence, celebrating our talents and achievements with gratitude and humility.
Grant us the wisdom not to have more, but to be more. May we encourage one another with kindness and compassion, fostering a school community in Your Name.
Bless our school, our teachers and support staff, our pupils, and our families. May we grow in faith, hope, and love, together as one Holy Family.
Amen
Prayer and Liturgy
At Holy Family Catholic High School, Christ is at the heart of every decision we make. As we aim to develop the whole person, we believe that Prayer and Liturgy play an integral role in this mission. As a cornerstone of school life, our Prayer and Liturgy practices are rooted in Catholic tradition and Gospel values, reflecting our school ethos every day.
Daily Prayer and Liturgy take place each morning during form time, with form teachers leading their groups in prayer using quality resources provided by our RE team. In addition to this daily practice, all students have weekly opportunities to participate in whole year-group Prayer and Liturgy assemblies.
These moments of prayer offer both students and staff time for reflection, silence, and connection with Christ. Beginning our day in this way sets the tone for learning and encourages everyone to be the best they can be.
Pupils and staff at HFCHS have access to a wide range of Prayer and Liturgy opportunities, including:
- Year 7 Welcome Mass
- Advent Liturgies
- Lenten Liturgies
- Daily Form Prayer and Liturgy
- Weekly Assemblies
- Walk of Faith and Christmas celebration at St Mary's Church
- End-of-term and end-of-year celebrations
- Year 11 and Year 13 Leavers’ Mass
Catholic Life and Mission
Our Mission Statement ‘to be the best that you can be’ is not simply a mantra that is repeated by children and staff or something that is just displayed around our school. The staff, children, parents and Governors work hard to ensure that everyone within our school community is able to achieve personal excellence so that our Mission Statement is lived out daily.
As a Catholic school it is imperative that we strive for excellence for ourselves, the children and colleagues. It ensures that we recognise the uniqueness of the individual, made in God's image and loved by him. The search for excellence is also an integral part of the spiritual life of the school.
We know that children and staff will only achieve personal excellence in an environment where they feel valued and loved, part of our school family. Everyone in our school has a responsibility to ensure that the Gospel values are evident in our school in all the interactions that take place and that they underpin all the policies in place. We believe we are a school family as our name suggests.
As a Catholic school we recognise that the children in our school are unique, made in the image of God. We have the highest standards for each other and hope to create a safe and nurturing environment, we know that we can challenge one another and the children so that we can all be our very best. It is in this way that we hope the Holy Family School community can give glory to God.
Walk of Faith
At Holy Family Catholic High School, the Walk of Faith is a cherished termly tradition that encourages our students to deepen their spiritual connection and strengthen bonds with their peers and staff. This unique experience blends reflection, faith, and community in a meaningful journey through nature and prayer.
The Walk
The Walk of Faith begins with students, staff, and friends embarking on a serene walk through the picturesque woodland paths surrounding our school. These paths provide a peaceful setting, allowing participants to step away from their busy routines and take time to reflect on their personal faith and life.
This journey offers an opportunity for quiet introspection, companionship, and a chance to appreciate the beauty of God's creation. Along the way, participants are guided by themes of hope, gratitude, and unity, which are woven into the reflections.
The Service
The walk culminates with a special service at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Crosby, a short distance from our school. The service includes prayer, hymns, and reflections led by members of our school community and clergy, reinforcing the values of faith, family, and community.
About St Mary’s Catholic Church
St Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Crosby holds a significant place in the spiritual and historical fabric of the area. Built in 1845, this beautiful Gothic Revival church was designed by the renowned architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, famous for his work on the Houses of Parliament in London.
Little Crosby itself is celebrated as one of England's oldest Catholic villages, with a history of continuous Catholic worship dating back to the Reformation. St Mary’s remains a symbol of resilience and devotion, providing a sacred space for worship and reflection.
Inside, visitors are met with stunning stained-glass windows and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The church stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the local Catholic community and serves as a perfect destination for the reflective and spiritual aspects of our Walk of Faith.
A Tradition of Faith and Fellowship
The Walk of Faith is more than just a journey; it is a moment to connect with God, nature, and one another. By fostering a sense of unity and encouraging reflection, this tradition strengthens the spiritual foundation of our school community.
We invite all students and staff to participate, embracing the opportunity to walk together in faith, share in God’s love, and celebrate our shared journey as members of Holy Family Catholic High School.
Religious Education
The Religious Education (RE) curriculum at Holy Family Catholic High School is a thoughtfully crafted program, deeply anchored in Gospel Values and the Catholic faith. It seeks to holistically develop students spiritually, morally, and intellectually, while instilling key values that guide their lives. Here's a closer look at the foundational principles of this curriculum:
Core Pillars of the RE Curriculum
Love
The curriculum prioritizes fostering a deep understanding and practice of love within the school community. Students explore the profound love of God as revealed in the Bible and through the life of Jesus Christ. Through lessons on parables like the Good Samaritan, students are encouraged to reflect on and emulate God’s unconditional love by showing compassion and kindness toward others.
Respect
Respect underpins every aspect of the curriculum. Lessons emphasize the intrinsic dignity of all people, as taught by the Catholic Church, and encourage students to practice empathy and understanding. By studying the sacraments and their significance, such as the Eucharist, students are also guided to show reverence for God and sacred traditions, fostering a sense of respect for both the divine and the diversity of human experiences.
Service
Inspired by Jesus’ teachings and example, the curriculum highlights the importance of serving others. Students engage in service projects and discussions on ethical dilemmas, applying their faith to real-world contexts. This hands-on approach helps them understand the transformative power of service and encourages them to contribute positively to their communities.
Ambition
The RE program instils ambition by encouraging students to strive for excellence, both personally and spiritually. It challenges them to develop their talents and use them for the greater good, emphasizing that ambition aligned with Catholic values is not only about achieving personal success but also about serving God and humanity.
Delivered by Specialists
At Holy Family Catholic High School, Religious Education is delivered entirely by dedicated subject specialists. This ensures that students receive high-quality instruction rooted in deep theological understanding and pedagogical expertise. The subject specialists are passionate about their field and are committed to providing a meaningful and enriching educational experience.
Development Across Years
From Year 7 through Year 13, the RE curriculum evolves to deepen students’ understanding of their Catholic faith. It fosters a personal relationship with God and equips students with the critical thinking skills and moral foundation necessary to navigate complex societal issues. The program aims to prepare students to be compassionate, ethical, and active participants in society.
Guided by Gospel Values
The RE curriculum at Holy Family Catholic High School not only nurtures faith but also promotes a lifelong commitment to Gospel Values. By combining spiritual growth with intellectual inquiry, the program empowers students to live authentically as followers of Christ, contributing to a world that values love, respect, service, and ambition.
For further information see our RE Curriculum pages
Prayer and Liturgy
Our School Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Inspired by Your Spirit, we gather together as the Holy Family community.
Guide us to follow the example of Jesus in all that we do. Help us to strive for excellence, celebrating our talents and achievements with gratitude and humility.
Grant us the wisdom not to have more, but to be more. May we encourage one another with kindness and compassion, fostering a school community in Your Name.
Bless our school, our teachers and support staff, our pupils, and our families. May we grow in faith, hope, and love, together as one Holy Family.
Amen
Prayer and Liturgy
At Holy Family Catholic High School, Christ is at the heart of every decision we make. As we aim to develop the whole person, we believe that Prayer and Liturgy play an integral role in this mission. As a cornerstone of school life, our Prayer and Liturgy practices are rooted in Catholic tradition and Gospel values, reflecting our school ethos every day.
Daily Prayer and Liturgy take place each morning during form time, with form teachers leading their groups in prayer using quality resources provided by our RE team. In addition to this daily practice, all students have weekly opportunities to participate in whole year-group Prayer and Liturgy assemblies.
These moments of prayer offer both students and staff time for reflection, silence, and connection with Christ. Beginning our day in this way sets the tone for learning and encourages everyone to be the best they can be.
Pupils and staff at HFCHS have access to a wide range of Prayer and Liturgy opportunities, including:
- Year 7 Welcome Mass
- Advent Liturgies
- Lenten Liturgies
- Daily Form Prayer and Liturgy
- Weekly Assemblies
- Walk of Faith and Christmas celebration at St Mary's Church
- End-of-term and end-of-year celebrations
- Year 11 and Year 13 Leavers’ Mass
Catholic Life and Mission
Our Mission Statement ‘to be the best that you can be’ is not simply a mantra that is repeated by children and staff or something that is just displayed around our school. The staff, children, parents and Governors work hard to ensure that everyone within our school community is able to achieve personal excellence so that our Mission Statement is lived out daily.
As a Catholic school it is imperative that we strive for excellence for ourselves, the children and colleagues. It ensures that we recognise the uniqueness of the individual, made in God's image and loved by him. The search for excellence is also an integral part of the spiritual life of the school.
We know that children and staff will only achieve personal excellence in an environment where they feel valued and loved, part of our school family. Everyone in our school has a responsibility to ensure that the Gospel values are evident in our school in all the interactions that take place and that they underpin all the policies in place. We believe we are a school family as our name suggests.
As a Catholic school we recognise that the children in our school are unique, made in the image of God. We have the highest standards for each other and hope to create a safe and nurturing environment, we know that we can challenge one another and the children so that we can all be our very best. It is in this way that we hope the Holy Family School community can give glory to God.
Walk of Faith
At Holy Family Catholic High School, the Walk of Faith is a cherished termly tradition that encourages our students to deepen their spiritual connection and strengthen bonds with their peers and staff. This unique experience blends reflection, faith, and community in a meaningful journey through nature and prayer.
The Walk
The Walk of Faith begins with students, staff, and friends embarking on a serene walk through the picturesque woodland paths surrounding our school. These paths provide a peaceful setting, allowing participants to step away from their busy routines and take time to reflect on their personal faith and life.
This journey offers an opportunity for quiet introspection, companionship, and a chance to appreciate the beauty of God's creation. Along the way, participants are guided by themes of hope, gratitude, and unity, which are woven into the reflections.
The Service
The walk culminates with a special service at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Crosby, a short distance from our school. The service includes prayer, hymns, and reflections led by members of our school community and clergy, reinforcing the values of faith, family, and community.
About St Mary’s Catholic Church
St Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Crosby holds a significant place in the spiritual and historical fabric of the area. Built in 1845, this beautiful Gothic Revival church was designed by the renowned architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, famous for his work on the Houses of Parliament in London.
Little Crosby itself is celebrated as one of England's oldest Catholic villages, with a history of continuous Catholic worship dating back to the Reformation. St Mary’s remains a symbol of resilience and devotion, providing a sacred space for worship and reflection.
Inside, visitors are met with stunning stained-glass windows and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The church stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the local Catholic community and serves as a perfect destination for the reflective and spiritual aspects of our Walk of Faith.
A Tradition of Faith and Fellowship
The Walk of Faith is more than just a journey; it is a moment to connect with God, nature, and one another. By fostering a sense of unity and encouraging reflection, this tradition strengthens the spiritual foundation of our school community.
We invite all students and staff to participate, embracing the opportunity to walk together in faith, share in God’s love, and celebrate our shared journey as members of Holy Family Catholic High School.