Religious Education (RE)

Intent

At Holy Family School, Religious Education (RE) serves as the foundation of our Catholic curriculum, rather than merely being a stand-alone subject. Central to our curriculum is the integration of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), which emphasises seven key strands: Stewardship, Rights and Responsibility, Dignity of the Worker, and more.

We are committed to instilling Gospel values and virtues in all our pupils, and RE is a core subject that comprises 10% of our overall curriculum. Our RE lessons, spanning from Nursery to Year 6, are guided by the Birmingham Diocesan Strategy, ‘Learning and Growing as the People of God.’

Through this approach, we not only foster a deep understanding of the Catholic faith but also promote respect and dignity for individuals of all faiths. We strive to cultivate an inclusive environment where every pupil is encouraged to appreciate and embrace the diversity of beliefs within our community.

Implementation

At Holy Family School, we implement the Birmingham Diocesan strategy, ‘Learning and Growing as the People of God,’ across all year groups from Nursery to Year 6. For pupils in Years 1 to 6, we dedicate at least 10% of teaching time specifically to Religious Education (RE) lessons. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), pupils participate in at least two stand-alone RE lessons each week, alongside access to RE Continuous Provision activities.

Our teachers use their expertise to design engaging lessons that build on pupils’ prior knowledge of the Catholic faith. Learning is presented through a variety of ways, including written and oral formats, to cater to different learning styles. We also incorporate drama, art, and music into our lessons to foster empathy and deepen understanding among pupils.

Furthermore, we make meaningful connections to Catholic Social Teaching (CST) across all subjects, utilising our Faith books to showcase and celebrate the learning that takes place. This holistic approach ensures that our pupils not only learn about their faith but also understand its relevance in their everyday lives.

Curriculum Overview

• Religious Education Curriculum Overview
• Religious Education Progression of Skills

Impact

At Holy Family School, our approach to teaching Religious Education (RE) and the broader Catholic curriculum equips our pupils to cultivate respectful relationships in an ever-changing world, regardless of faith, gender, or race. We emphasise the importance of recognising that every individual deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.

Our RE curriculum is designed to challenge pupils academically, incorporating rigorous assessments that encourage critical thinking. Through this subject, pupils learn to articulate their opinions and beliefs with depth and clarity, particularly in their extended writing.  RE enhances pupils’ oracy and English skills, enabling them to engage with meaningful questions and apply their learning in a thoughtful and reflective manner. This  approach not only deepens their understanding of religious and ethical concepts but also prepares them to navigate the complexities of a diverse society.

Multi-Faith

At Holy Family School most of our children are Muslim. In accordance with our RE teaching we celebrate all faiths and teach our children about the similar values that can be found in the main faiths practiced in the City of Birmingham.

As part of our RE curriculum children in Key Stage 2 take part in our annual Autumn Inter-Faith Week and visit four other Faiths places of worship.