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Religious Education

At St Joseph's, Religious Education is a core subject which enables us to fulfil our mission to spread the Good News about Jesus Christ and to enable our pupils to fully understand that, "With God, all things are possible." RE is not a stand alone subject among many, but the foundation for all our learning.  

RE is taught through "Living and Growing as the People of God", which is the curriculum strategy for Religious Education in the diocese of Birmingham.

This strategy provides a curriculum that addresses pupils' intellect, hearts and imagination and makes learning lively, interactive and relevant to pupils every day lives. It covers a systematic study of the strands of Catholic faith:

  • The Liturgical Year
  • Celebrating the Sacraments
  • Scriptural Knowledge
  • Living as Christians including Prayer

Children are taught the strategy from the Nursery class up to Year 6. Each unit builds upon children's prior learning from the previous year and enables progression of knowledge, understanding and skills to develop children's understanding of our Catholic faith. Children are given opportunities to learn in a wide variety of ways, including learning through studying Bible stories, guided mediations, reflections, collective worship, art, drama, etc.  Children are encouraged to learn at home with their families, whom the school values as their child's first and primary educator.  Families are encouraged to support RE learning through RE homework at key times of year (e.g. important liturgical seasons and feast days), by praying with Prayer Bear at home and by learning alongside their child in school at our Inspire Workshops and Class Saint Liturgies.

There is a 4-yearly cycle of assessment, to enable staff and leaders to monitor and moderate Religious Education.