Religious Education

At St. Augustine’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, enhanced by the use of our Academy Trust Oracy 21 project and speaking, listening and debating skills. 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 Directory (RED)

At St. Augustine's Catholic Primary School, we are following the 'new' Religious Education Directory (RED) and its programme 'To know You more clearly'. It is an innovative and enriching Religious Education programme that seeks to deepen the spiritual journey of pupils by fostering a profound understanding of Catholic teachings and values. You may find this document to have a better understanding of its content and the end of branch expectations for each year group in the link below:

To Know You more clearly RED

This programme goes beyond the traditional curriculum, encouraging children to explore their faith through a lens of curiosity, awe and wonder. 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 and how they can put their learning and faith into action.

Teachers are encouraged to be as creative as possible in their lesson planning and to employ a range of teaching styles. The RED curriculum 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, experience of other world faiths and religions, as well as Rooted in Love, the Diocese of Westminster Catholic Social Teaching programme.

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

Other faiths and world-views, including non-religious world-views

At St. Augustine's, we nurture respectful engagement and learning about other faiths, other religions, diverse beliefs and world views. We approach it in Branch 6 of our Religious Education curriculum, Dialogue and Encounter. 

Dialogue

We emphasise the importance of respectful communication between Catholicism and other faiths, religions, beliefs and world-views. 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.

Encounter

We encourage our pupils to explore and understand different religions and world-views 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 world-views.

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.