Created by a Deputy Head Teacher from the Archdiocese of Birmingham and first published in 2000, the original School Prayer Book provided children with a prayer book that could be used during mass, in school and also for private reflection at home. Since then the prayer book has been updated several times and has gone on to sell over 40,000 copies and is used in over 270 Catholic primary schools across the UK. In 2013 we introduced the School Learning Journals. These hardback A3 sized journals allow teachers to record the coursework that their classes have produced across the year and then to present it in a professional and organised way. They have been warmly received by parents, governors and Ofsted inspectors alike and their use is now recommended by the Birmingham Diocesan Educational team. In 2014 we commissioned a series of artworks by Sarah Quinn, the Australian artist who created the original illustrations for the prayer books. The 20 designs now available cover many of the key religious themes and events found within the RE syllabus. As well as brightening up school walls, they are also used to generate interest and discussion among pupils, often enabling them to approach the various themes covered from new and exciting perspectives. In 2015 we added an additional version of the prayer book, using the colour illustrations that Sarah developed to provide to provide another option. Schools with the artworks on display are now able to link the various themes depicted across the year using the prayer books within their classes and assemblies. For 2016 we are introducing more images coming from Sarah, including the 14 Stations of the Cross. Keep a look out for more developments across the year!  |