Why is Religious Education important in Catholic Schools?
Religious Education is the “core of the core curriculum” in a Catholic school (Pope St John Paul II). Placing RE at the core of the curriculum in Catholic schools helps our school to fulfil its mission to educate the whole person in discerning the meaning of their existence, since “Religious Education is concerned not only with intellectual knowledge but also includes emotional and affective learning.
Religious Education at Botwell House
At Botwell House, Religious Education (RE) is at the heart of everything we do. It is not only a subject that children study, but a lived experience that helps them grow in faith, understanding, and respect for others.
We follow the Catholic Schools Religious Education Directory (RED), which is the national curriculum for RE in Catholic schools across England and Wales.
This curriculum helps children to:
- develop a deep understanding of the Catholic faith
- explore the teachings of Jesus and the Church
- reflect on how faith shapes the way we live our lives
- grow spiritually, morally and personally
Since 2024, we have been carefully phasing in this new curriculum, beginning with our youngest children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). We have since extended it into the Years 1-6, ensuring that teaching is thoughtful, well-planned and meaningful for every child.
We are pleased to share that all year groups are now learning through the new Religious Education Directory curriculum.
Year 6
In this lesson, we analysed John’s Gospel to understand how Holy Week is presented in contrast to other Gospel accounts. We examined literary structure and language, whilst applying our existing understanding of what we already know of Jesus through sources of revelation.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
John 1:14
Year 5
In this lesson, we investigated the seven petitions of the Our Father prayer. We translated it into language that we might use today before understanding the meaning and how this might be seen in real life today.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Phillipians 4:6-7
Year 4
In this lesson, we expressed our understanding of the restoration between Peter and Jesus in the form of Kintsugi artwork. Through transforming the cracks into something of beauty, we learned that we receive God’s mercy, in spite of our faults, to continue his mission.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
Matthew 5:7
Year 2
In this lesson, we worked with Mr Foster to listen to versions of the Kyrie Eleison. After this we led the singing in Praise Assembly to showcase this response. We then reflected on how it made us feel in asking for God’s mercy.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 23:6
Year 1
In this lesson, we identified people who Jesus encountered and reflected on how this unique experience transformed their lives forever. We understood this as a cycle of change and used role play to recognise our feelings.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17
To see what your child is learning in RE this half term, please click here.
People of God
