Teaching of Religious Education

At Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Religious Education is seen as the core and foundation of the entire educational process. It is not simply a subject among many, but the heartbeat of school life, shaping the values, attitudes and experiences of the whole community. Every child is recognised as uniquely created and loved by God, and is given the opportunity to grow in understanding, faith and compassion.

Religious Education communicates the beliefs and values that inspire and unify all aspects of the curriculum. Children are supported to explore key themes such as belonging, forgiveness, love, justice and hope, and are encouraged to reflect on their meaning in everyday life. Through the study of sacred scripture, Church teachings, prayer and worship, children come to understand the central messages of Christianity and the example set by Jesus.

In exploring Catholic belief and practice, children learn about what the Church believes, how it prays and celebrates, and how it lives out its mission in the world. Each topic includes opportunities to listen to the Word of God, to reflect on belief, to explore the meaning of worship, and to consider how people of faith are called to live with love and service. These areas of focus support children’s spiritual development, moral understanding, and sense of responsibility within their families, school and the wider world.

Children also study a range of world faiths across their time in school. This enables them to recognise the shared values held by many religious traditions and to appreciate the beauty and richness of diverse beliefs and practices. Respect for others is fostered through open discussion, thoughtful learning, and opportunities for reflection. The similarities between faiths are highlighted, encouraging children to recognise that all people are called to live together in peace and understanding.

The Religious Education curriculum at Our Lady of the Rosary is rich, reflective and carefully planned to ensure progression across the primary years. It supports every child in developing a sense of identity, belonging and purpose, within a learning environment that is inclusive, loving and rooted in Gospel values.

The Religious Education Directory in Primary Schools

The Religious Education Directory is the national curriculum for Religious Education in Catholic schools in England and Wales. It provides a clear and structured programme of study that supports children in exploring the richness of the Catholic faith and its relevance to their lives today.

The curriculum is organised into six key themes, known as branches, which are revisited each year to deepen understanding. These include:

Creation and Covenant – exploring God as Creator and the call to relationship

Prophecy and Promise – learning about the prophets and the coming of the Messiah

Galilee to Jerusalem – following the life and teachings of Jesus

Desert to Garden – reflecting on Lent, Easter and the message of new life

To the Ends of the Earth – discovering the mission of the early Church

Dialogue and Encounter – learning about other faiths and how we live respectfully alongside others

Each topic allows children to encounter religious belief in a variety of ways — by listening to scripture, exploring the meaning of belief, learning about prayer and worship, and thinking about how people of faith live in the world today.

The Religious Education Directory ensures that children receive a rich, balanced and progressive experience of Religious Education throughout their time in primary school, helping them to grow in knowledge, spirituality, and moral understanding.

To know You more clearly - The Religious Education Directory