St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Hendon

From September 2025, St Joseph’s will deliver Religious Education using the curriculum from the Religious Education Directory (RED 2023), following the model curriculum from Nursery to Year 6

RE Policy 0925

This curriculum is structured into six Branches, each taught over a half term. Five branches focus on Revelation, Scripture, life in Christ and life in the Church; the final branch, Encounter & Dialogue, teaches pupils about other religions and worldviews

RE Policy 0925

A link to the Religious Education Directory will be provided here.

1. Creation & Covenant

Introducing God as Creator and exploring covenant relationships in the Old Testament.

2. Prophecy & Promise

Studying the prophets, their messages of justice and hope, and God’s promise of salvation.

3. Galilee to Jerusalem

Exploring the public ministry of Jesus—His parables, miracles, teachings and encounters.

4. Desert to Garden

Understanding the Paschal Mystery—the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.

5. Ends of the Earth

Learning about Pentecost, the early Church and the mission of the Apostles.

6. Encounter & Dialogue

Encouraging respectful understanding of other faiths and worldviews, rooted in the Church’s teaching on intercultural dialogue.

At St Joseph’s:

• 10% of the weekly timetable is devoted to the teaching of RE (2.5 hours for Reception–Y6; 1.5 hours for Nursery).

• At least one RE lesson per week is timetabled in the morning to ensure appropriate staffing support.

• Lessons are rigorous, academically structured and supported by discussion, reflection, creativity, Scripture study and theological thinking.

• Clergy may visit lessons when appropriate to the learning.

• Lessons are differentiated to support pupils of all faith backgrounds and learning needs.

• EYFS pupils experience RE through direct teaching, continuous provision, visits to the Chapel and encounters with clergy and religious visitors.

Although Sacramental preparation is completed through the parish, the Y3 curriculum supports this journey.

Families receive Prayer at Home resources to deepen prayer life beyond school.

Teachers:

• Use the model curriculum from RED 2023 to plan all RE branches.

• Produce unit plans using the St Joseph’s planning template.

• Ensure lessons reflect the Liturgical Year, school community needs and global Catholic events.

• Plan using clear learning objectives and the Expected Outcomes from RED 2023.

• Adapt lessons and resources to meet the needs of all learners, including pupils with SEND.

• Make use of the School Chapel for prayer, reflection and deepening understanding of faith.

Prayer is woven through the daily life of the school. Children participate in:

• Daily classroom prayers

• Weekly collective worship

• Liturgies across the Liturgical Year

• Class and whole-school Masses with our Parish Priest, Fr Tim Edgar

• Caritas Ambassadors who lead charitable and social action work in line with Catholic Social Teaching

Sr Anthony leads a children’s prayer session on the first Friday of each month, supports RE formation and helps deepen spiritual understanding across the school population.

Assessment is carried out using the Expected Outcomes in RED 2023, with moderation taking place:

• Within school

• At deanery and diocesan level

• With partner Barnet Catholic schools 

Progress in RE is tracked in the same way as other core subjects and reported to:

• Governors (termly)

• Parents (annually, through reports)

• Families during open evenings and through praise systems (e.g. RE badges, Tapestry in EYFS)

  RE Policy 

Curriculum newsletters each term also highlight key learning, class Mass dates and liturgical events.

Parents are the first educators of faith, and we work closely with families through:

• Termly Curriculum newsletters

• Home Learning grids that include RE links

• RE questionnaires and feedback opportunities

• Invitations to school liturgies and Masses

Our strong relationship with Fr Tim and the parish enriches the Catholic life of our school and supports formation, worship and understanding of the Church’s teachings.