Gunnersbury Liturgical Leaders

Our Liturgical Leaders are a devoted group of young people who are the core of our Chaplaincy team. They work closely with the Lay Chaplain to plan liturgies, support with form prayers and morning prayer in the Chapel, community events and charity events.

Pupils take an active role in preparing and leading daily prayer, class liturgies, and whole-school celebrations, demonstrating confidence and reverence. Opportunities during Advent and Lent, retreats, and themed reflections enable pupils to encounter God in a variety of meaningful ways. Liturgies are enriched through music, drama, art, and pupil-led bidding prayers, foster full, conscious, and active participation. These experiences are closely linked to the liturgical year, the RE curriculum, and Catholic Social Teaching, ensuring that prayer and worship are central to the life of the school and have a significant impact on pupils’ spiritual and moral development.

Their ability to lead and participate in liturgical ministries nurtures a deep sense of belonging to the Church community. The integration of Catholic Social Teaching inspires them to live out Gospel values in their attitudes, relationships, and actions, contributing to a respectful and compassionate school culture.

The Lay Chaplain and student Liturgical Leaders lead on prayer supporting the Catholic mission of the school. Daily worship occurs regularly from the staff briefing to tutor time/assemblies, to the use of the liturgical calendar and weekly gospel readings as a basis for reflection. All assemblies, staff, departmental, year and governor meetings begin with a prayer or reflection.

Laudato Si Group

Our Sixth Form Laudato Si group leads initiatives inspired by the Catholic Social Teaching on creation and the care for our environment. They have planted wildflowers, developed recycling projects, and promoted sustainable practices across the school. These efforts have not only enhanced the school’s grounds and biodiversity but have also raised awareness among pupils and staff, encouraging a culture of environmental responsibility and stewardship in line with our faith.

Sixth formers attend Mount Carmel school weekly to support the activities of the primary children.  They also visit weekly the local Maryville Carehome to support the activities taking place; in school our sixth formers support in lower school lessons across various subjects.  Sixth formers have visited charities to assist with gift-wrapping at Christmas and also given blood at Twickenham Donor Centre.  Our Wellbeing Ambassadors organise whole school events such as ‘Smile Day’ and ‘Kindness Day’.

Jack Petchey Awards

The Jack Petchey Award celebrates the achievements and contributions of our pupils, recognising those who demonstrate exceptional effort, leadership, or service to the school and wider community. Recipients of the award are honoured with a certificate and trophy, and a prize that can be used to support projects benefiting the school. This initiative encourages our young people to embrace values such as kindness, perseverance, and initiative, inspiring them to make a positive impact both inside and outside the classroom.

As a result of receiving Jack Petchey Awards, pupils’ achievements and contributions are recognised, fostering self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, and motivation to live out Gospel values in their daily lives.

Celebration Assemblies & Events

Our celebration assemblies at the end of each term provide opportunities for the whole school community to come together in prayer, reflect on Catholic values, and recognise the achievements and contributions of pupils, fostering a sense of shared faith and community. 

 

Enrichment Weeks

Pupils benefit from enrichment week in the summer term and a variety of trips (in London) which support their personal growth, cultural awareness and shared lunches in Hyde Park strengthen the sense of school community, promote Gospel values of hospitality and inclusion, and celebrate the cultural diversity of our pupils.

 

Furthermore, we celebrated our diversity in our school through our International Day.  It was a vibrant and meaningful celebration of the many cultures, backgrounds, and traditions that make up our school community. The event highlighted the school’s commitment to inclusivity, respect, and global awareness.

 

Extra-Curricular Activities

Through sporting events, public speaking events, school production and other clubs and societies in school, pupils are encouraged to recognise and use their God-given talents, living out Gospel values such as respect, fairness and perseverance, while building a sense of community and shared purpose.

Co-Curricular Activities

Jubilee Year of Hope Celebrations

As part of the school's celebration of the Jubilee Year, students and staff are engaged in a series of meaningful activities that deepen faith, foster creativity, and build a stronger sense of community:

Each form class created ‘Jubilee Hope Cards’, as a result of these, pupils expressed their faith through service and creativity, spreading hope to others and demonstrating Gospel values in action.  Representatives from the school attended the Festival of Hope at Westminster Cathedral in June and the Youth Flame event at Wembley Arena.  These faith-centred events provided students with a powerful opportunity to grow spiritually, strengthen their sense of community, and engage with the wider Catholic and youth networks across the UK.

KS3 students learnt the ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ hymn. Singing together encourages unity, spiritual expression, and a deeper connection to the global Church’s message of hope and renewal.

A ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ mosaic created by KS3 to mark the special year, allowed students to express their faith through art, marking this special year in a tangible and lasting way. The collaborative process also promoted teamwork, reflection, and pride in contributing to a spiritual legacy for the school.

The school pilgrimage to Rome provided students with a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection and personal growth in the heart of the Catholic faith. Visiting sacred sites such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Catacombs helped deepen their understanding of Church history, tradition, and the universal nature of the Catholic community. Being in these holy places inspired awe, reverence, and a renewed sense of faith.  In addition, as part of the Jubilee Year and in connection with the Rome pilgrimage, personal prayer intentions were collected from all members of the school community. These were offered during the visit to Rome, uniting the entire school in prayerful solidarity. This initiative promoted a shared sense of spiritual purpose, belonging, and hope, reminding everyone of their place within the global Church.

The school’s summer production of ‘Godspell Jr’ was a powerful blend of faith, creativity, and community spirit. Based on the Gospel of Matthew, the musical brought Jesus’ teachings to life in a way that was both engaging and thought-provoking for performers and audiences alike.