Religious Education
RE Subject Leaders - Miss Walsh and Mrs Gibbons
Why we are passionate about R.E...
Ever since I was a young girl, I have always had great curiosity and love to wonder, explore and reflect. I believe that R.E allows children to show their awe and wonder about our beautiful world; God’s creation. I was baptised a Catholic and attended Children’s Liturgy growing up in my local parish. I will always remember making my first Holy Communion and how special I felt. As I grew up, I then confirmed my faith by making my confirmation. Now, here I am teaching in a Catholic primary school where I am able to share my awe and wonder with the younger generation.
As a child I found hope in the knowledge of a God who loved me. I loved hearing how Jesus lived and loved and I was amazed that I could pray to him about anything anytime. I think it is an honour to share the Catholic faith with children, to invite them to think about our world and how it was made. To take time to reflect on their own faith journey and to think about how they can change the world around them.
RE Intent
Religious Education underpins the whole of St. James’ bespoke curriculum. We ensure our pupils understand how R.E. is the core of all subjects and know God's providence across each and every one. As a school, our vision is to develop the pupil’s knowledge and understanding of religion, religious beliefs, practices, language and traditions and their influence on individuals, communities, societies and cultures. Our curriculum enables all pupils to be religiously literate and engaged young people; they use their knowledge, understanding and skills effectively, to reflect spiritually, and to think ethically and theologically. Our pupils are encouraged to ask questions and to consider different views as they develop in their own understanding.
Religious Education at St. James' invites awe and wonder at the character and nature of God. The lessons are engaging and creative, helping both pupils and teachers to develop spiritually. As a school, we believe the moral development of our children is moulded by their learning within R.E. and has a direct impact on how they view themselves and their role in society. This is then lived out within our school family, our local community and across the wider world through prayer and fundraising.
Throughout our school, R.E is taught through the ‘Religious Education Directory’ (To know you more clearly) which has been written by the Archdiocese. There is a clear and coherent progression which builds year upon year as they follow the 'branches'. This promotes children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and prepares all pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of the present and the future. As well as this, promoting the Gospel Value of the Church including: Compassion, Trust, Care, Respect, Tolerance and Forgiveness also underpins everything we do and forms the ethos of the school.