Catholic Life and Mission

The Catholic Life at the school is outstanding because the well-being and personal and
spiritual development of pupils and staff is at the heart of the school’s vision and
mission.’ (Section 48 Denominational Inspection – October 2019)

‘Pupils show an excellent development of their spiritual understanding in their everyday lives. They lead prayers with as strong blend of confidence and humility. Pupils express their thoughts and prayers with spontaneity as they show thanks and appreciation for other people in their lives. They consider those less fortunate than themselves, for those suffering and for refugees in areas of the world. Pupils are enriched by the strong Catholic ethos and Gospel values that are central to the school community.’ (ISI Inspection February 2022)

Catholic Social Teaching

We encourage our whole school community to follow the key principles of Catholic Social Teaching that come from Scripture, letters written by the Pope, and examples set by Christians throughout history and that build the foundations of all we do as a school. Classes have been allocated their own principal and mascot and throughout the year are working on showing examples of how we can live our lives through these principles. Each week our Newsletter focuses on one key principle and how we are showing that we are living it out through our thoughts, actions and words.

• Parents and are invited to attend our Masses at the John Fisher Chapel, our Christmas and Easter Concerts, School Production and Prize Giving as well as Class Assemblies.
• Classes take it in turns to attend Mass at John the Baptist on a weekly rota with parishioners.
• Four of our Year 6 students represented the school at the annual ‘Start of a New Year’ Mass at St George’s Cathedral.
• Our Choir visits local care homes to sing carols at Christmas and also attended the St Mark’s Church Christmas Fair.
• Our Mini Vinnies visit local care homes to read and share stories with residents.
• Representatives from Laleham Lea take part in the annual Remembrance Service and Parade at at The Lord Roberts at Woodcote Green led by St Mark’s Church. Two Year 6 pupils are chosen to attend the Memorial and lay a wreath on behalf of the school community.
• During the month of May we run a weekly Rosary Club for students and parents.
• Our PTA organises popular events throughout the year including a Christmas Fair, Summer Fair, Film and Quiz Nights.
• We work closely with St Mark’s Church and have held our Christmas Carol concerts, Easter Concerts, Summer Play and PTA Disco there. Many of our Pupils are members of the 25th Purley Beaver, Cubs, Rainbows and Brownies groups which are based at St Mark’s.