At St Mary’s, we provide a Catholic, Christian education based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Children are given the opportunity to fulfil their full potential through an engaging curriculum that develops spiritual, academic, creative, social and emotional growth.

Religious Education is a core subject at St Mary’s. It is timetabled weekly with a minimum of 10% of teaching time dedicated to the subject (in line with the Bishops’ Conference recommendations). As a Catholic school, Christianity forms the major focus in RE lessons. Other faiths are also taught and celebrated throughout the year. RE lessons provide children with a deep understanding of their own faith as well as an awareness of the faith and tradition of other religious communities. Father Tim regularly supports RE lessons, enhancing children’s knowledge, understanding and experiences.

A new Religious Education Directory has been developed and published for all Catholic Schools in England and Wales, titled 'To Know You More Clearly.' This is an exciting opportunity for Catholic schools to deliver inspiring Religious Education. At St Mary’s we use the CES approved resource, Magister, to support the planning and teaching of RE lessons.

Faith and spirituality is explored throughout the curriculum with Gospel values underpinning all aspects of school life. The Magister scheme follows six branches: 

• Creation and Covenant
• Prophecy and Promise 
• From Galilee to Jerusalem
• From Desert to Garden
• To the Ends of the Earth
• Dialogue and Encounter

The following broad areas of study relate to Catholic doctrine, faith and practices and are taught at an appropriate level for our children:

• The personal messages and deeds of Jesus.
• The historical facts of His life, death and resurrection.
• Basic ideas of Sacred Scripture – Gospels, Revelation, Tradition.
• The value of the human person.
• The value of the Sacraments as they accompany us on our journey through life.

In addition to delivering the Magister scheme, teachers explore and cover a range of other areas of religion and spirituality such as; the Church’s Liturgical year, feast days, saints, Bible stories, prayer, meditation and provide children with knowledge and understanding of our own Parish and community of St Mary’s.

To find out further information, please look at the Religious Education Directory pdf below.