Religious Education
Religious Education
Subject Leader: Mrs. L. Shepherd
Religious Education at St. Joseph’s
At St. Joseph’s, we place Religious Education at the heart of our curriculum, aligning with our mission to educate the whole child—academically, personally, and spiritually. As the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales affirms, “Religious Education is never simply one subject among many but the foundation of the entire educational process.” (2000)
As a Catholic school, 10% of our curriculum time is dedicated to the teaching of RE. We follow the Come and See Religious Education Programme, in line with guidance from the Brentwood Diocese, which is now taught exclusively in Key Stage 2. In Key Stage 1, we have begun implementing the new Religious Education Directory to ensure we are providing a solid foundation for the faith development of our younger pupils.
Our parish priests support our RE curriculum by leading visits to St. Joseph’s Church, where students learn about the sacraments of Baptism and Ordination. Additionally, we study Judaism every year from Reception to Year 6 in the Spring Term, and Islam is taught in Key Stage 2 in the Summer Term. Visits to places of worship are an integral part of teaching about other faiths.
At St. Joseph’s, we encourage our students to become ‘religiously literate’ through regular use of Bibles in lessons, fostering a deep connection with scripture as a central part of developing their faith. By incorporating scripture into daily learning, children are able to explore and reflect on key biblical stories and teachings, connecting them to their own lives. Additionally, we focus on deepening students’ understanding of the liturgical calendar, rituals, and traditions of the Church. Through this approach, they not only learn about important feasts and seasons such as Advent, Lent, and Easter but also how these times shape the life of the Church and our faith community. This comprehensive approach helps children appreciate both the sacred and practical aspects of the Catholic tradition, allowing them to grow in their spiritual and religious understanding.
Link to Our Catholic Life on the school website
