We give children regular opportunities to experience different ways of praying throughout the school day. Alongside our four daily prayers, children rehearse the traditional prayers for their year group, pray in their own words, and take part in different forms of prayer such as silent prayer, Lectio Divina, reflection, music and scripture. This helps children understand that prayer can take many forms and supports them in developing their own relationship with God.

Traditional Catholic prayers are introduced gradually as children move through the school. In EYFS, the focus is on very simple prayers and responses, such as the Sign of the Cross, saying “Amen”, giving thanks, saying sorry and asking God for help. In Years 1 and 2, children begin to learn well-known prayers such as the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. In Years 3 and 4, they build on this by learning longer prayers, including the Apostles’ Creed, Angel of God, Come Holy Spirit, the Act of Contrition and the Prayer of St Richard of Chichester. In Years 5 and 6, children are introduced to more reflective prayers such as the Magnificat, Morning Offering, Act of Faith, Act of Hope and Act of Love. The prayers are revisited across the year so that children have time to become familiar with them, understand them and grow in confidence when praying independently.