Religious Education Curriculum
“We need to provide and education which teaches critical thinking and encourages the development of mature moral values” – Pope Francis
Rationale:
At the heart of our Catholic school is the mission to nurture the spiritual, moral, and intellectual growth of each pupil. Religious Education (RE) is central to this mission. It provides a foundation for pupils to explore and deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, while also encouraging respect for the beliefs of others in an increasingly diverse world.
Our RE program is designed to help pupils encounter the person of Jesus Christ, understand the teachings of the Church, and reflect on how faith informs every aspect of life. It supports the development of conscience, compassion, and a sense of purpose, empowering pupils to live out Gospel values in their daily lives.
In partnership with families and the wider Church community, we aim to form young people who are not only knowledgeable about their faith, but who also strive to live it with integrity, service, and love. RE in our school is more than a subject, it is a vital part of the holistic formation of our pupils as thoughtful, faithful, and responsible individuals.
Our RE Curriculum is distinctively Catholic and guides the pupils into discovering a deeper Catholic belief. They are guided into discovering that relationship with God and with others is essential to being human. Pupils also explore many other religious dimensions of life and learn to think and speak spiritually, ethically and theologically. Other key skills that we endeavour to assist you in your development are: being able to give reasons, explaining yourself, evaluating, interpreting and critically analysing.
Implementation:
The KS3 and KS4 curriculums are based on the Religious Education Directory that is from the Bishop’s Conference.
The KS3 curriculum follows the Catholic Liturgical Calendar. This allows pupils to access fully what they see and hear around school as well as in their own faith lives. The KS3 curriculum also ensures that knowledge and skills are there as a foundation to progress and flourish at KS4.
We have a two year KS4 that builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in KS3. We offer the Wjec Eduqas GCSE (9-1) Religious Studies: Route B: Catholic Christianity and Judaism.
What enrichment opportunities do we offer in RE?:
At St Patrick’s, we believe Religious Education extends far beyond textbooks. Enrichment opportunities help pupils deepen their understanding of faith, develop a sense of social responsibility, and engage actively with the world around them.
- Guest Speakers and Faith Witnesses
Welcoming clergy, religious sisters and brothers, charity workers, or individuals with inspiring faith journeys helps students see the real-life impact of living out the Gospel. Interfaith speakers can also support understanding of religious diversity. - Visits to Places of Worship
Trips to churches, cathedrals, monasteries, and other places of worship allow students to witness the beauty, tradition, and diversity of religious life. Visits to sacred sites enhance respect and appreciation for different religious practices. - Interfaith and Ecumenical Engagement
In a diverse society, interfaith activities such as dialogue events or shared community projects help build mutual understanding and peace. These can complement curriculum learning on world religions. - Competitions and Academic Challenges
Pupils can take part in RE essay competitions, philosophy debates, or theology enrichment days, developing higher-order thinking and a love of learning.
How can the study of RE support pupils beyond school?:
Religious Education at St Patrick’s equips pupils with life-long skills that extend beyond the classroom. By exploring moral, spiritual, and philosophical questions, RE fosters critical thinking, empathy, and self-awareness.
Pupils gain valuable communication and oracy skills through discussion and debate, learning to express ideas clearly and listen respectfully. These transferable skills are essential in careers such as education, law, healthcare, social work, counselling, journalism, and public service.
RE at St Patrick’s also promotes emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, and a strong sense of personal and social responsibility, preparing pupils to lead meaningful lives and contribute positively to society.
