Religious Education (RE)
RE fulfils the requirements of the Religious Education Curriculum Directory as published by the Bishops of England and Wales.
The RE curriculum at St Joseph’s follows the Diocesan approved scheme People of God, and doctrine is taught in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. The school aims for the Christian growth of its children in their own faith and in their awareness of the world around them.
Respect for other faiths and cultures is part of our mission and the teaching of other cultures and religions is an important part of our programme within the context of the requirements of the Curriculum Directory. Pupils will be taught about the integrity of other faiths and not as comparative religion. Pupils will learn about the beliefs, expression and celebration, living and belonging, of the principal religions in Great Britain.
We celebrate a weekly school Mass which is prepared and led by pupils in each class. We have daily prayers throughout the school day and on Mondays, we begin the week with Prayer and Liturgy, which allows pupils to listen to the Gospel, reflect and take forward a message for the week ahead. Prayer and Liturgy is central to our worship and our pupils and take an active role in leading and preparing liturgies and prayer opportunities.
The school works closely with the parish – Our Blessed Lady and St Thomas of Canterbury. By working closely with the parish, our aim is to develop the spiritual life of pupils and their families. A regular Parish/School Mass is held in the parish where all families are encouraged to attend and participate alongside their child/children.
Faith is one of the fundamental pillars of the St Joseph’s community. Everybody who attends St Joseph’s is a member of our faith community and is therefore fully included in our Catholic Life, Religious Education and faith development.
As part of our faith journey, we also learn about lots of the other important cultures and faiths which make up our school, community and society. Therefore, we hold regular cultural trips and learn about other faiths.
