Subject Leader: Mrs Seager-Fleming

Link Governor: Dr. Carmel Digman

Statement of Intent

We are committed to the Catholic Faith; recognising and valuing every individual as special and unique in the image and likeness of God.

At St. Joseph’s our Religious Education respects and promotes each child’s innate capacity for wonder, awe, reverence and spirituality. Our Religious Education curriculum leads our children to take inspiration from the Gospel teachings and to aspire not to have more, but to be more; children are taught about God’s love; they learn about their Christian responsibilities; children are provided with experiences of church, Catholic and Christian traditions, as well as being taught to be respectful and understanding of people and traditions from other faith backgrounds. We have strong links to St. Finbarr's Church and our Parish Priests, who contribute to each child’s religious journey. Children have the opportunity to lead on all aspects of school worship, living out the Gospel Values and sharing this with the wider community.  

Implementation

Religious Education at St. Joseph's consists of 10 percent of the weekly timetable for each class. However, Religious Education is not a standalone topic. Teachers are able to integrate Religious Education into different lessons and parts of the school day.  

Substantive Knowledge in Religious Education enables pupils to learn about what people believe, about the faith they hold and how that helps them to make sense of the world. They will learn about the teachings of different religious traditions and the answers those traditions give to questions of meaning and purpose. They also will learn about the signs, symbols and traditions used to guide them in their understanding of faith, belief and practice. Pupils will also explore the ways our faith is celebrated and the Church’s Liturgical seasons. They will be able to explore different liturgies (including liturgical prayer, Mass and daily prayer) and the place of actions, words and symbols within them.

Pupils will learn about the ways in which religious belief shapes their lives and the way they see and interpret society and the world; they will learn to understand the religious and moral basis for certain belief systems.

Disciplinary knowledge in Religious Education allows children to reflect on beliefs and values; by talking, exploring, discussing, thinking, responding, and questioning. Pupils will be increasingly able to structure and articulate their thoughts. They will be able to listen attentively to others and come to understand and empathise with others’ views, beliefs, and values. They will develop the ability to engage critically with their own and others’ religious beliefs and world views.

We follow the scripture based scheme of learning ‘Come and See’ based on the Religious Education Curriculum Directory for Catholic schools.

Teachers are encouraged to adapt the scheme ensuring all pupil’s needs are met and lessons are always related to their lives. Teachers also ensure that when they teach Religious Education that they provide opportunities for the pupils to discuss, reflect and question what they have heard. Tasks in Religious Education will vary by class and by topic but can include writing tasks, construction, role-play, art, music and discussions. Teachers plan tasks which often involve the collaboration of pupils, promoting further discussions and learning.

Religious Education is also taught through our community links where we often welcome visitors and our Parish priests Father Jamie and Father Leo. They often visit the school and take part in discussions with pupils and school masses. Pupils often go to the parish church to attend Mass and to also learn more about the church.

Our children are encouraged to take ownership of the liturgical life of the school, there are opportunities to be part of Cafod Club and Mini-Vinnies. They are given opportunities to explore their faith through masses led by the parish priest, trips and joint events with other local Catholic Schools both primary and secondary. 

Inclusion:

Equal Opportunities:

• We plan our classroom activities to challenge and involve all pupils appropriately, according to age and capability, ethnic diversity, gender and language background
•  We are aware of different learning styles and the need to allow pupils to be able to work in their preferred learning styles for some of the time
•  We use materials for teaching which avoid stereo-typing, and bias, towards race, gender, role or disability
•  We deal with such issues clearly and sensitively when they arise

Impact

• Children learn about their unique place within the home, school and parish community and the world beyond.
• Children know they are loved.
• Children develop their relationship with God and become religiously literate
• They will understand and appreciate the wonder and significance of the Catholic faith.
• Children live out the Catholic Social Teaching principles.
• Children deepen their appreciation of their faith and fulfil their God-given talents.
• Children of all abilities and backgrounds achieve well in RE, reflected in strong progress that reveals a clear learning journey.  Children talk enthusiastically about their learning in RE and are eager to further their learning in the next stages of their education.
• The children grow to know and love God, develop their moral and spiritual nature and deepen their faith.

• Children live their faith in an active and positive way, always aware of the presence and love of Christ guiding them
• Children show compassion, justice, love and forgiveness in their relationships with others and are confident, resilient and actively engaged in the wider society.
• Children understand that faith plays a central role in their lives and the decisions they make.
• Children are confident, resilient and actively engaged in the wider society.
• Children reflect and consider important questions about RE.

For further information and pictures of our Catholic Life, please see the class pages.

Christingle

Fire class made Christingles to prepare for the birth of Jesus.

Fire class learnt about Diwali

The children listened to a story about Diwali and then did a range of different activities from, making Diva lamps, creating different Rangoli patterns and designing Mendhi patterns on paper hands.