“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” 
— St Catherine of Siena 

At St Joseph’s Catholic School, Religious Education is central to everything we do. It shapes our identity, guides our values, and helps our children grow into compassionate, thoughtful and faith‑filled young people. 

We teach Religious Education in line with the official syllabus of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. Through this, children learn about Scripture, Catholic beliefs, liturgical practice, Church traditions, and the call to live out their faith through action and service. 

 

How We Teach Religious Education 

A Progressive, Developmental Curriculum 

  • Religious Education is taught discretely and developmentally, allowing children to deepen their understanding year by year. The Come and See programme encourages pupils to explore: 

Scripture and key Catholic teachings 

  • The life and example of Jesus 

  • Sacraments and liturgical celebrations 

  • The mission of the Church today 

The beliefs and practices of other world religions 

  • Children are encouraged to ask meaningful questions, reflect deeply, and understand how faith impacts daily life. 

Respecting Faith and Building Character 

We help pupils engage with both their own beliefs and the beliefs of others. Through open, honest discussion and enquiry, children develop: 

  • Respect 

  • Tolerance 

  • Empathy 

  • A strong sense of self-worth 

This supports the Catholic Social Teaching principles of Human Dignity, Solidarity, and The Common Good. 

Catholic Social Teaching in Our RE Curriculum 

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) underpins the whole of our Religious Education curriculum and the wider life of our school. Through RE, children learn: 

The Dignity of the Human Person 

  • That every person is created in the image of God and deserves respect. 

The Common Good 

That we have a responsibility to help build a community where everyone can flourish. 

Solidarity 

That we stand with others, especially those who are vulnerable or in need. 

The Option for the Poor and Vulnerable 

  • That we are called to act with compassion, generosity and justice. 

Stewardship of God’s Creation 

  • That we are guardians of the earth and must protect and cherish it. 

These teachings guide pupils not only in the classroom, but in the way they live, play, and interact with the world around them. 

Faith Woven Through School Life 

At St Joseph’s, RE does not exist in isolation. Our entire school ethos reflects the Gospel message: 

“Love your neighbour.” 

Children learn to follow in Jesus’ footsteps through: 

  • Daily collective worship 

  • Whole school liturgies 

  • Celebration of feast days and the liturgical seasons 

  • Opportunities for prayer and reflection 

  • Acts of charity, service and social action 

  • Engagement with the parish community 

Through these experiences, pupils see that faith is something we live, not simply something we learn. 

Enquiry, Exploration and Expression 

Across all areas of school life, children are encouraged to: 

  • Ask questions 

  • Explore beliefs 

  • Express ideas 

  • Reflect on their own faith 

  • Understand different worldviews 

This helps them grow into confident, articulate and spiritually aware young people who look at the world with fairness, curiosity and compassion. 

 

A Community Living in Faith 

As a Catholic school, we expect all members of our community—pupils, staff, families and governors—to help create an environment rooted in the teachings of Jesus. We work together, listen to one another and support one another, seeking to live out our mission with integrity and joy. 

Our RE Curriculum 

To view the content of our curriculum for each year group, please click here for more details.