Religious Education

At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Religious Education lies at the heart of the curriculum. It plays a vital role in supporting the spiritual, moral and personal development of our children and helps them grow in their understanding of God, themselves and others. Our Religious Education programme is based on the Religious Education Directory (RED), which is recommended by the Archdiocese of Liverpool and is currently being implemented across the school. All teachers have received training in planning and delivering the RED curriculum, and this professional development will continue as the programme is fully embedded over the coming years. Through Religious Education, children are encouraged not only to gain knowledge about faith, but also to reflect on their own experiences, develop their understanding of others, and grow in their relationship with God.

Our Religious Education programme, To Know You More Clearly, holds a central place within the school curriculum. The programme encourages children to explore their faith through curiosity, reflection and discussion. Through engaging lessons, prayer, reflection and interactive activities, children are supported in developing a deeper understanding of their faith and spirituality. Scripture forms the foundation of learning, helping pupils develop knowledge, understanding, compassion, and a sense of awe and wonder. During their time in primary school, children also prepare for and celebrate important sacraments, including:

  • Reconciliation

  • First Holy Communion

These sacraments are important milestones in the spiritual journey of our pupils and are celebrated in partnership with our parish community and families.

The Ways of Knowing

The Religious Education curriculum is structured around three key Ways of Knowing, which describe the skills pupils develop as they progress through their learning.

Understand - Pupils explore and develop a deep understanding of sacred texts, beliefs, traditions and the lives of individuals and communities shaped by faith.

Discern - Pupils learn to reflect thoughtfully on different interpretations and ideas, helping them to consider what is true, good and beautiful.

Respond - Pupils are encouraged to reflect personally on what they have learned and consider how it influences their own lives and actions.

Knowledge Lenses

The curriculum is also organised through six knowledge lenses, which focus on key areas of Catholic teaching and understanding.

Hear - Explores God’s revelation and the Word of God, particularly through Sacred Scripture.

Believe - Focuses on the Creed and the central beliefs of the Catholic faith, including the Trinity, the Incarnation and the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Celebrate - Explores prayer, liturgy and the sacraments, helping children understand how the Church celebrates and lives its faith.

Live - Focuses on how Christians are called to live in the world, including teachings about human dignity, conscience, virtue, grace and sin, as well as Catholic Social Teaching.

Dialogue - Encourages understanding and respectful dialogue between different Christian traditions, religions and worldviews.

Encounter - Provides opportunities for children to learn about other faiths and cultures, helping them develop respect, understanding and peaceful relationships with others.

Intent

At St Joseph’s, Religious Education is an invitation to explore, discover and respond to faith. It helps children to grow spiritually while developing their understanding of the world around them.

Through Religious Education, we aim for all pupils to:

  • Develop a closer relationship with God.

  • Reflect on their personal experiences and faith.

  • Achieve well and enjoy learning about religion and spirituality.

  • Develop a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith.

  • Communicate their ideas and beliefs confidently.

  • Show respect and understanding for other faiths and cultures.

  • Recognise their place within the home, school and parish community.

  • Understand how faith can guide their actions in everyday life. 

Implementation

Religious Education at St Joseph’s is delivered through engaging lessons, reflection, discussion, prayer and shared experiences. Our curriculum:

  • Encourages pupils to ask questions about meaning, purpose and belief.

  • Helps children understand the beliefs and traditions of the Catholic Church.

  • Develops respect and understanding for other faith traditions.

  • Encourages critical thinking and reflection.

  • Provides opportunities for pupils to explore their own experiences and values.

Children also learn about other faiths and religions throughout the year. This learning is enriched through visitors, community links and celebrations of important religious festivals, helping pupils gain a deeper and more authentic understanding of different traditions.

Prayer and Liturgy

Prayer and worship are central to life at St Joseph’s. Our prayer and liturgy opportunities allow pupils and staff to come together as a community to worship God, reflect and grow in faith. Collective worship is rooted in the Catholic tradition and reflects the liturgical life of the Church.

Through prayer and liturgy, pupils are encouraged to participate actively and develop a deeper understanding of their faith.

Spiritual Development

Spiritual development helps pupils reflect on the deeper meaning of life and their own experiences.

It encourages children to:

  • reflect on their thoughts and feelings

  • appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world

  • develop a sense of purpose and belonging

Spiritual development is not limited to Religious Education lessons; it is supported across the entire curriculum and through the everyday life of the school.

Moral Development

Moral development helps children understand the difference between right and wrong and encourages them to make responsible choices. At St Joseph’s, we believe that everyone within the school community plays a role in supporting pupils’ moral development. Our mission statement and school values help guide children as they learn to act with kindness, respect and responsibility.

Parental Right to Withdraw

Parents and guardians have the legal right to withdraw their child from some or all Religious Education lessons. This right is protected under the Education Act 1996. Before making this decision, parents may wish to consider that Religious Education helps children develop understanding of different beliefs, cultures and moral issues. If you wish to discuss this further, please contact the Headteacher or RE Subject Leader. A written request is normally required, and arrangements will be discussed for your child during RE lessons.