RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance taught in the scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

At St Oswald’s Catholic Primary School, Religious Education is at the heart of all we do. Through the teaching of RE, we nurture faith, encourage curiosity, and help our children grow in their relationship with God and one another. As Pope Leo XIV reminds us, “The Catholic school is an environment in which faith, culture and life intertwine.”

Religious Education at St Oswald’s supports our children to grow in faith and develop kindness and respect. Through this, they come to understand that they are loved by God and called to love others. At our school, we nurture our children to become missionary disciples by instilling core Christian values and using the Bible to guide their learning, actions and relationships with others.

Following the Religious Education Directory (RED) from Nursery to Year 4 and Come and See in Years 5 and 6- both recommended by the Archdiocese of Liverpool- our curriculum is carefully designed to form religiously literate and engaged young people. Pupils are encouraged to develop the knowledge, understanding, and skills appropriate to their age and ability, enabling them to reflect spiritually, think ethically and theologically , and recognise the demands of religious commitment in their daily lives (RED 2023).

We follow a clearly structured curriculum map to ensure a coherent and progressive learning journey for all pupils. This sequence enables every child to build meaningfully on prior learning, encounter key concepts in depth, and make purposeful connections across units.

Our teachers plan lessons that embody Catholicity, weaving the values of the Gospel and the richness of the Catholic tradition into every learning experience. Through the Scriptures, children are invited to encounter Christ, reflect deeply on His teaching, and respond creatively in ways that inspire both personal faith and collective worship. Lessons are age and stage appropriate designed to support pupils’ oracy, reasoning and creativity, while providing opportunities to grow spiritually and personally.  

In line with our RE curriculum we also learn about other world faiths. In order to enrich the children’s understanding, we celebrate key festivals from these faiths, such as Diwali, allowing pupils to experience the traditions, stories, and values behind these important occasions. These celebrations help bring the curriculum to life, fostering respect, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of beliefs within our wider community.