On Wednesday, we had an incredible opportunity to visit Highgate Synagogue. From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel very welcome. Rabbi Liss shared many fascinating facts about the Jewish Faith and the…
Read MoreReligious Education
At St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that the aim of teaching quality Religious Education is to open pupils up to the divine mystery of God’s work. We endeavour to develop religiously literate children who are able to think spiritually, ethically and theologically. Our pupils are strongly encouraged to look at the world around them with a deep sense of awe and wonder as it is God’s wonderful creation. In addition, our children are taught to value and respect one another as we are all created in the image and likeness of God.
Religious Education in the curriculum
At St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, we are following the new Religious Education Directory (RED) and its program To know You more clearly. It is an innovative and enriching new Religious Education program that seeks to deepen the spiritual journey of pupils by fostering a profound understanding of Catholic teachings and values.
This program goes beyond the traditional curriculum, encouraging children to explore their faith through a lens of curiosity and introspection. Through engaging lessons, thoughtful reflections and interactive activities, To know You more clearly creates a dynamic learning environment that encourages pupils to connect with their spirituality on a personal level.
Teachers are encouraged to be as creative as possible in their lesson planning and to employ a range of teaching styles. The RED is scripture based, following the story of Jesus, and it is an invitation to Know Him more clearly. It allows children to get to know Him, to journey with Him through His life, death and resurrection. In addition, teachers include teaching and connections with Prayer and Liturgy, world faiths and worldviews, as well as Rooted in Love, the Diocese of Westminster Catholic Social Teaching program.
The RED is taught through six curriculum branches:
Branch 1 - Creation & Covenant
Branch 2 - Prophecy & Promise
Branch 3 - Galilee to Jerusalem
Branch 4 - Desert to Garden
Branch 5 - To the Ends of the Earth
Branch 6 - Dialogue & Encounter
Please find the whole-school overview here: RE Overview
Other faiths and worldviews, including non-religious worldviews
At St. Joseph's, we nurture respectful engagement and learning about diverse beliefs and worldviews. Here is how we approach it in Branch 6 of our RE curriculum, Dialogue and Encounter.
Dialogue
We emphasise the importance of respectful communication between Catholicism and other faiths, beliefs and worldviews. This dialogue reflects the call for Catholics to share their faith with kindness and openness, just as Jesus did. Rooted in God’s love for all, dialogue fosters understanding and harmony in a diverse world.
Pope St. Paul VI taught that dialogue begins with knowing ourselves and gradually extends outward:
- First, engaging with other Christian groups.
- Then, building interfaith connections with those who believe in one God, such as Jews and Muslims, with particular recognition of Catholicism’s shared roots with Judaism.
- Finally, connecting with all people, regardless of religion, to promote mutual respect and the common good.
Encounter
We encourage our pupils to explore and understand different religions and worldviews as part of their learning. This approach develops respect for cultural and spiritual diversity and helps them grow in their own faith. Children study:
- Other Christian denominations
- Judaism
- Islam
- Dharmic religions like Hinduism and Buddhism
- Non-religious worldviews
Our goal is to present each belief system from the perspective of its followers, helping pupils appreciate the richness of diversity without drawing comparisons. This nurtures respect for others and a peaceful coexistence in our shared world. Together, these elements prepare our pupils to engage meaningfully and compassionately in a multicultural society.
Judaism Workshop with Ruth Jampal from Judaism for Schools
The children had a wonderful day with Ruth learning about many different aspects of Judaism. From living the faith in everyday life to its traditions, symbols, artefacts and even learning Hebrew! Ruth was extremely engaging and the children had a fabulous day. Take a look at some of the photographs below to see the amazing activities the children were involved in.
Festival of Hope 2025
On Tuesday, our Year 5 pupil chaplains and some members of staff from our school were privileged to attend the Festival of Hope liturgy at Westminster Cathedral, a truly moving and inspiring event led by…
Read MoreYear 4: Finsbury Park Mosque
This afternoon, our Year 4 pupils had the wonderful opportunity to visit Finsbury Park Mosque as part of their RE learning in Branch 6: Dialogue and Encounter. Joey, our pilgrim bear, came along too!…
Read MoreEpisode 15: Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
Jesus chooses people just like you and me – ordinary people – to do amazing things. Isn’t that awesome? Let’s take a moment to be still and talk to God. Dear Jesus, Thank you for…
Read MoreReception: Care for Creation Eco Day
On Wednesday, we had a fantastic day as eco warriors! We took part in lots of fun activities and talked about many different ways we can care for our planet. We went on a nature…
Read MoreYear 6: Eco Care for Creation Day
Year 6 pupils enjoyed a thought-provoking and engaging Eco Care for Creation Day, where they took part in a special workshop led by Sue Bailey, Islington’s Waste and Recycling Officer. The day was a valuable…
Read MoreYear 2: Care for Creation and Adoration
This week in Year 2 has been filled with exciting activities as we celebrated Care for Creation Day! We started off the day by writing poems about the beautiful world around us. Our hearts are…
Read MoreYear 3: Care for Creation Day
This week in Year 3, we had an amazing Care for Creation Day all about looking after our planet! We were very lucky to be visited by Sue Bailey from Islington Council. Sue taught us…
Read MoreYear 1: Care for Creation Eco Day!
We have had an exciting week in Year 1! We celebrated Care for Creation day which included us caring and respecting the world God has given us. The children spent the day away from screens,…
Read MoreYear 4: Care for Creation and Adoration
It’s been another exciting and enriching week in Year 4, filled with opportunities for our children to grow in faith, knowledge and community spirit. On Wednesday, we celebrated Care for Creation Eco Day, a special…
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