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 our school helps us to fulfil our mission to educate the whole child, since Religious Education is not only about developing intellectual knowledge and understanding, but also ensures the child’s emotional wellbeing is also considered. Without Religious Education, pupils would lack an essential element of their personal development, which helps them make important links between faith and culture.

Furthermore, religiously literate children and young people are able to engage in a fully informed critique of all understanding and knowledge of the world around them.

At St. Augustine’s, our Catholic faith is lived out each day through our words, actions and relationships. Our mission statement — “We come to school to live and learn, happily together, by loving ourselves and each other, as Jesus teaches us” — shapes every aspect of school life and inspires us to follow Christ’s example of love, service and compassion. We strive to keep alive the memory of Christ’s passion by showing empathy, forgiveness and care for others. Pupils understand that faith is active and expressed through service, charity and outreach both within and beyond our school community. 

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching underpins everything we do. Through faith in action, pupils lead and participate in a range of charitable projects that reflect the Church’s call to work for the Common Good. Locally, we support the Broxbourne food bank, promoting the Preferential Option for the Poor.  We also support many other charitable organisations, locally, nationally and internationally, such as CAFOD, Mary's Meals, our local Women's Refuge, linking to Community and Participation.  

Pupils are encouraged to:

• Live out the Gospel values in all they do, showing kindness, honesty and respect.

• Follow the example and in the footsteps of Jesus, who shows us the light and the path along which to live our own lives.

• Strive to serve others with humility and compassion, putting faith into action in daily life.

• Work together as a community, using their gifts to make a positive difference in the world.