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Autumn 1

Building the Kingdom: Family and Community

At St Mary's, our Autumn 1 theme is Family and Community. In Catholic Social Teaching, this reminds us that people are not meant to live alone. We are social beings, created by God to live in families and communities where we support, respect and care for one another. Just as we belong to our families, we also belong to many other communities, including our class, school, parish and local community. At St Mary's, every one of us plays an important part in making our school a welcoming, safe and happy place where everyone feels valued and included.

Spiritual Foundation

This theme is rooted in the belief that God loves us equally as His children, inspiring us to build a community where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. Our relationships are shaped by kindness, compassion and love, reflecting the dignity God has given to every person.

Whole-School Virtues: Compassionate & Loving

For the first half of the term, we are focusing on the Jesuit virtues:

  • Compassionate – We notice when others need help and respond with kindness, empathy and understanding.
  • Loving – We show care, respect and forgiveness through our words and actions, following Jesus' example of loving others.

These virtues encourage our pupils to become caring members of their families, school, Church and wider community, always seeking ways to serve others and make a positive difference.

Living Our Values

Our commitment to Family and Community is explored through a range of celebrations, reflections and shared experiences that strengthen the bonds within our school family and wider community:

  • Grandparents' Day – We celebrate the important role grandparents and older family members play in our lives, recognising their love, wisdom and guidance.
  • Season of Creation – Pupils reflect on God's gift of creation and how we can work together as a global family to care for our common home.
  • Little Way Week – Inspired by St Thérèse of Lisieux, children learn that small acts of kindness and love can make a big difference within families, friendships and communities.
  • Cultural Awareness Week – We celebrate the rich diversity within our school, local community and wider world, learning how our differences help communities grow stronger.
  • Black History Month – Pupils learn about significant individuals, achievements and contributions of Black communities, developing respect, understanding and appreciation of our shared history.
  • CAFOD Family Fast Day – We reflect on how families and communities around the world support one another in challenging circumstances and consider how we can help those in need.


See below for our Curriculum Maps: