Religious Education
Religious Education is recognised as an important part of the curriculum in all schools. When considering the needs of the whole child, it is recognised as an essential dimension to personal growth. Some knowledge of the Bible and the life of Christ and other religions and their significance is not an unrealistic aim for many students; but R.E. is not just a question of knowledge or instruction. Spiritual awareness is not dependent on intellectual ability or grasping of abstract concepts. Religious experience, feeling and intuitive understanding are equally important. All young people have a right to receive the help they need to grow in this respect.
The aims of RE at St. Joseph’s are to:-
- lead students into an understanding of the religious dimension of life and enable them to make their own responses to it
- help students to grow and develop in their faith through collective worship and personal and shared experience
- promote an awareness and exploration of Christian truths and values, with particular reference to the Catholic faith
- help students to develop a proper relationship of care and service towards other people and themselves
- provide the experience of and encourage participation in a caring, worshipping and living Catholic community
- contribute to the spiritual, moral, social, cultural and academic development of every student.
A planned programme through which RE will be delivered is provided. Younger students follow a specially adapted version of the diocesan approved programme ‘Come and See’. This is a programme for primary schools, published with the authority of the Department for Catholic Education and Formation, Bishops’ Conference for England and Wales.
The programme sets out to help children to explore the beliefs, values and traditions of the Catholic Church and of other faiths. A flexible approach is necessary to take into account the particular needs and abilities of the pupils and students at St. Joseph’s. The programme incorporates much of the Autism Awareness and Learning Disabilities Good Practice Guidance and is delivered in a highly multisensory and interactive experiential style.
A whole school approach is used so that assemblies and special celebrations can be linked to the Religious Education Programme.
For older students, modules from the WJEC Religious Studies syllabus are offered. For higher ability students the WJEC Combined Humanities GCSE studies syllabus provides an appropriately challenging RE syllabus.
Parental Involvement
Parental involvement in this area is important and is encouraged and achieved through:
- Subject and Masses & Liturgies booklets.
- consultation evenings
- subject curriculum targets sent home
- involvement with Harvest Festival
- attendance at Christmas Carol Service and Nativity Play
Cross Curricular Links
St Joseph’s seeks to create a Christian ethos which should be reflected in all areas of the school. Just as RE cannot be separated from the general life of the school neither can it be separated from the rest of the curriculum. In developing understanding in science and humanities, there will often be a religious element since religion is about life itself. An integrated approach is often most appropriate.
- Science
- Humanities
- PHSE and Citizenship
- Community Skills
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