CATHOLIC LIFE
DIOCESAN INSPECTION REPORT 2019
St Columba’s Catholic Primary School is an outstanding Catholic school because:
Catholic Life at St Columba’s is outstanding. The headteacher, senior leadership team, all staff and governors have high expectations and share a vision with regard to the Catholic mission of the school.
Collective Worship is outstanding. High quality Collective Worship is central to the life of the school; it binds the whole school community together. Parents describe the impact of Collective Worship on their children as ‘profound’.
Religious Education is good. Teachers have a clear understanding of the value of Religious Education which they communicate effectively. Leaders have clear plans for further improvements.
MISSION STATEMENT
At St. Columba’s Catholic Primary School, we strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ by living lives of love, respect, and forgiveness.
We believe that every member of our school community – children, parents, and staff – is unique, valued, and supported. Together, we create a nurturing environment where all can flourish.
Our aim is to provide a high-quality, balanced, and challenging curriculum that supports the intellectual, spiritual, moral, and social development of every child.
We celebrate the individuality of each person in our care and work together to build a strong sense of self-worth, confidence, and belonging in all members of our school family.
CATHOLIC LIFE & MISSION
At St. Columba’s, our Catholic faith is at the heart of everything we do. It shapes our values, our relationships, and our daily life as a school community.
We enjoy strong parish links with Our Lady and St Columba, and are part of the Wallsend family of parishes within Our Lady of Lourdes. Together, we celebrate our shared faith and commitment to living out the Gospel message.
Our school mission statement, “Learning, loving and respecting with God in our hearts,”
guides all aspects of school life. We strive to follow the example of Jesus, living in harmony and treating one another with kindness, love, and respect as members of His family.
Charitable work is central to our Catholic mission. Our active Mini Vinnies group leads the way in supporting a wide range of charities, local causes, and community events, helping children to develop a strong sense of compassion and service.
As an inclusive school, we work in partnership with parents to nurture caring, respectful, and responsible children who are ready to make a positive difference in the world.
We are also extremely proud to have been recognised as a ‘School of Sanctuary’ welcoming families from all background to join our school community.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
At St. Columba’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that Religious Education (RE) shapes our values, guides our learning, and underpins everything we do as a Catholic school.
Religious Education holds equal academic weight to other curriculum areas. It challenges pupils to think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and grow in their understanding of faith and the world around them.
Our Curriculum – ‘The Way’
This academic year, we are part of the Diocesan trial of the new curriculum scheme ‘The Way’ which aims to deliver a deeper religious education to all children which is based in scripture.
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Inclusive class discussions where all voices are heard and respected
Celebrating Faith and Diversity
Regardless of their faith or background, all families are welcomed and valued. Parents are expected to support the Catholic ethos of our school, and in turn, we embrace and celebrate the faiths, cultures, and traditions that enrich our community.
By fostering a spirit of mutual respect, understanding, and love, we prepare our children to live in a diverse and interconnected world, rooted in their faith and open to others.
SERVING OUR PARISH & SCHOOL COMMUNITY
At St. Columba’s, we are proud to serve both our parish and wider community, sharing God’s message of love, compassion, and service whenever we can. Our Catholic faith inspires us to reach out and support others, especially those in need.
Some of the ways we live out this mission include:
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Termly school Masses, led by our children, where family members and parishioners are warmly welcomed to worship alongside us
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Termly class assemblies, where families and community members are invited to join us in celebration and reflection
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Sacramental preparation for Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, shared between school and parish, with regular parent meetings to ensure families are fully involved
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Carol singing during the Christmas season in Wallsend town centre and at Eothen Homes, spreading joy to the wider community
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Strong partnerships with parents, especially in our Nursery and Reception classes, fostering early learning and relationships built on trust and care
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Our commitment to supporting families in need, through our links with external agencies we can offer food parcels, uniform swap shops, Christmas present delivery and support for new mothers and babies
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Christmas Parcels delivered to members of our parish and community who may be feeling lonely or isolated, reminding them they are not forgotten
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Our fundraising for the Muhuroni Mission, supporting those in need in Kenya with the support of our parish priest, Fr Davis
Through these acts of faith, service, and love, we aim to build a community that reflects the Gospel values and brings hope and kindness to others.
PRAYER & LITURGY
Daily worship is at the heart of life at St. Columba’s. It reflects our Christ-centred ethos and supports our mission.
Worship in our school gives glory, honour, praise, and thanks to God, and provides regular opportunities for children to encounter Him through prayer, reflection, Scripture, and song.
Each act of worship follows the Church’s fourfold pattern:
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Gathering together
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Listening to God’s Word
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Responding to the Word
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Going forth with a Mission based on the worship we have shared
Variety in Prayer and Worship
At St. Columba’s, children experience a wide range of prayer styles and worship traditions. Teachers guide and support the development of these styles, and pupils are encouraged to take an active role in both planning and leading worship throughout their time in school.
Our worship takes place in many different groupings and formats throughout the week:
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Monday – Whole School Worship
The week begins with a celebration of the Word led by Mrs Steinmetz. We reflect on the Sunday Gospel and set our weekly mission, rooted in Jesus’ teachings. -
Tuesday & Thursday– Key Stage Worship
Each Key Stage gathers for worship led by a member of staff, focusing on the theme of the week. -
Class Worship
On the days when children are not attending Key Stage worship, each class holds its own worship session. These are pupil-led on a rota basis, with teachers offering support and guidance in planning. -
Wednesday – Worship Through Song
This is a time to respond joyfully to God’s Word through singing and reflection. We also take time to consider the wider world and explore how we can live out our faith by helping others. -
Friday – Celebration & Class Assemblies
Every other Friday, we gather to celebrate our achievements, share success, and give thanks. On alternate Fridays, individual classes lead assemblies based on their Religious Education learning, sharing their reflections with the school and wider community.
Celebration of the Mass
Each term, we celebrate Mass together in the school hall. These are joyful occasions where we invite families and parishioners to join us in worship. All classes attend, and these celebrations are led by our Parish Priest, Fr. David.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
The parish of Our Lady and St. Columba and St. Columba’s Primary School work in partnership to deliver a parish based Sacramental Preparation programme for First Confession and First Holy Communion to pupils in Year Four.
Please keep the children and their families in your prayers as they prepare for these important Sacraments.
MINI VINNIES
Mini Vinnies at St. Columba’s
‘Mini Vinnies’ is a St Vincent de Paul Group in a Primary School. It is a group of young people aged 7-11 who get together, organise and talk about helping others in need within their school community and beyond. What makes Mini Vinnies such a valuable experience for the children who are part of it, is the change it makes in school communities. Mini Vinnies groups usually meet once a week or fortnight during lunchtime or after school and are either run by school staff members, an SVP Conference Member or a combination of both.
What happens at a Mini Vinnies meeting?
A President is elected by the Mini Vinnies to lead the meeting and organise the group. An adult will co-ordinate the group and give help and practical advice. Meetings should be as brief as possible.
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The President opens the meeting with a prayer.
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A short spiritual reading/reflection/piece of music/meditation follows. The Group members could take turns to do this.
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Group members then talk about the Mini Vinnies activities they have done since the previous meeting.
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Any future plans are then discussed.
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The President concludes the meeting with a prayer.
For more information on Mini Vinnies, please feel free to visit their website here
FAITH IN ACTION
At St Columba’s, we are proud to offer our Year 6 children an opportunity to take part in the Catholic Youth Mission Federation award ‘Faith in Action’.
The Faith in Action Award encourages young people to take that service into their wider community and accept greater responsibility for their faith in action.
There are four levels of award: Pin, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Participants accrue credits of service in their parish and / or school and the wider community. The Faith in Action Award builds on what young people already experience in serving others, asking them to reflect upon it so that they may find new ways of living out and exploring their faith. There is an opportunity for both guided reflections, through group reflection points and personal reflection, through journaling.
In Year 6, pupils are able to achieve their ‘Pin’ award which allows them to continue on their journey to Bronze, Silver and Gold, if they wish to, at high school.
For more information on the Faith in Action Award, please visit the CYMFed website.
