At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, our Religious Education curriculum is at the heart of everything we do. We live out our mission through our values—always thinking of others and treating people as we would like to be treated. Through our R.E. provision, we aim to nurture children who are spiritually aware, compassionate, reflective, and grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

 

We follow the Liverpool Archdiocesan planning to implement the new Religious Education Directory (RED). This ensures that our teaching is fully aligned with national expectations for Catholic schools and reflects the most up‑to‑date guidance from the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

The RED provides a rich, theologically robust framework that supports children in developing:

Through this curriculum, children learn about God’s revelation, the life and teachings of Jesus, the Sacraments, prayer, morality, and the mission of the Church. Lessons are creative, engaging, and rooted in opportunities for discussion, reflection, and personal response.

 

Collective Worship takes place every day at St Joseph’s and is a cherished part of school life. It provides children and staff with time to talk to God, reflect on Scripture, and make sense of His word in their daily lives.

Worship may include:

Collective Worship happens in classrooms, in assemblies, and sometimes outdoors in our school grounds. As children progress through the school, they are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for planning and leading worship, helping them grow in confidence and spiritual maturity.

 

The governors at St Joseph’s have adopted A Journey in Love, the programme approved by the Liverpool Archdiocese, to support the teaching of Relationships and Sex Education within a Christian context. This programme is faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church and supports the holistic development of every child.

We recognise that parents and carers are the primary educators of their children. Our RSHE curriculum is designed to complement and support the vital role families play in nurturing their children’s emotional, social, and spiritual growth. Information about the programme is shared annually and is available on our school website. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from elements of RSE that are not part of statutory Science.

 

At St Joseph’s, we work closely with our parish community to support children and their families on their sacramental journey.

As part of the Liverpool Archdiocese, children prepare for the Sacraments through the With You Always programme. This family‑led, parish‑based programme supports children in preparing for Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in a welcoming and inclusive way.

Children who are not baptised Catholics are warmly invited to take part in the preparation sessions and receive special blessings as part of their own faith journey. The programme emphasises family involvement, prayer, and shared experiences that strengthen the bond between home, school, and parish.

 

Further information about With You Always and family‑led catechesis can be found on the Liverpool Archdiocese website.