Religious Education is central to the curriculum at St Mary’s and is at the heart of the philosophy of Catholic education. It teaches about our faith in the context of a school which proclaims the Gospel, and invites the individual to respond to the message of Christ. As the individual responds to this invitation, growth in faith and knowledge helps the pupil to respond to the call to holiness and understand the fullness of what it is to be human.

Religious Education is concerned not only with intellectual knowledge but also includes emotional and affective learning. Without religious education, pupils would be deprived of an essential element of their formation and personal development, which helps them attain a vital harmony between faith and culture. Moral formation and religious education also foster the development of personal and social responsibility and other civic virtues; they represent, therefore, an important contribution to the Common Good.

For this reason classroom Religious Education is a core subject at St Mary’s, whilst the wider dimensions of learning through liturgy and outreach are integral to the project of Catholic education. The content of Religious Education will help the pupil to make a critique of all other knowledge, leading, for example, to an understanding of the relationship between science and religion or history, and between theology, sport and the human body.

 

RE Altars 

we are proud to foster a deep appreciation for our Catholic faith within our classrooms. Each class is equipped with a dedicated RE altar, a sacred space where students can honour their faith and reflect on their spiritual journey. 🌟

Our vibrant altars not only showcase special artefacts from the Catholic tradition but also provide a platform for students to connect with their beliefs. From beautifully illustrated prayer books to cherished symbols of faith, these altars serve as a daily reminder of the values we uphold as a school community.

Working Walls 

Each classroom proudly features a Working Wall Display that highlights the key content of the topic being studied, especially in alignment with the educational standards set out in the Religious Directory. 📚✨

 

✨ Reception Learning About Baptism ✝️
Our Reception children have been learning all about the Sacrament of Baptism in their RE lessons. They explored the special symbols we see during Baptism and shared their own wonderful thoughts:

💧 “This is the holy water.” – One pupil
💖 “The heart means God’s love.” – Another pupil
🕊️ “God is bird.” – Reception Pupil (recognising the Holy Spirit as a dove)

We’re so proud of their growing understanding of God’s love and what it means to become part of His family. 💫

Year 4 visited All Saints College for an RE lesson to mark the beginning of the Liturgical year.
The session focused on Christ the King, and the children took part in discussions and activities to explore what this celebration means for Christians today. The visit helped deepen their understanding of Jesus’ role as a leader and guide. We are grateful to All Saints College for providing a valuable learning experience. 

RE Learning: The Visitation

This week, pupils learned about the Visitation, when Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. After reading the passage and discussing the Magnificat, the class reflected on how Mary praised and thanked God. The children then used freeze-frame drama to consider how Mary and Elizabeth might have felt at this moment.

Aubreigh reflected, “Mary must have felt honoured to be chosen. She would have been excited but worried because it is a big responsibility.”

Year 3 RE Learning: The Annunciation

Year 3 revisited the story of the Annunciation through role play, taking on the roles of Mary and the Angel Gabriel. Pupils reflected on Mary’s feelings and her trust in God. Gabriel commented, “Mary was shocked, but she showed her trust in God,” while Annabelle noted, “Mary was scared because she wasn’t married, but she said yes to God’s plan anyway.”