Catholic Life of Our School

Religious Education

“In the life of faith of the Catholic school, Religious Education plays a vital part.” (Religious Education in Catholic Schools, Bishops’ Conference, 2000). At the heart of Catholic Education lies the Christian vision of the human person. This vision is explored and expressed in Religious Education; therefore, Religious Education is the foundation of the entire education process. At St. Joseph’s RCP School, Religious Education is the core subject, at the heart of everything we do.

“The outcome will be to produce religiously literate young people with the knowledge, understanding and skills – appropriate to their age and capacity – to think spiritually, ethically and theologically, and who are aware of the demands of religious commitment in everyday life” (Religious Education in Catholic Schools, Bishops’ Conference, 1996)

We expect what is taught in Religious Education to be reflected in the daily life and values experienced by our children in school and hopefully in their homes and the wider parish community.

 

According to the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, the Aims of Religious Education are:

• Knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Faith and Life
• Knowledge and understanding of the response of faith to the ultimate questions about human life, its origin and purpose
• The skills required to engage in examination of and reflection upon religious beliefs and practice.

Its objectives are:

• To develop knowledge and understanding of the mystery of God, Jesus Christ, the Church and its central beliefs
• To develop awareness and appreciation of Catholic belief and its impact on personal and social behaviour and the relationships between faith and life and life and faith
• To encourage study, investigation and reflection by the pupils
• To develop appropriate skills e.g. the ability to listen and the ability to acquire knowledge
• To foster appropriate attitudes: e.g. respect for truth

 

 

Work with Parish Priest

We are very fortunate that our Parish Priest is willing to support our work in school and our links with the parish. This includes visiting our school on Tuesday afternoons to work with and help prepare Mass with each class before celebrating Mass with that class. There is also the opportunity for a weekly Stay and Pray session with our Parish Priest. Parents and families are very welcome to join us.