At English Martyrs’ RC Primary School, Religious Education is at the heart of our curriculum and central to our mission as a Catholic school. Through RE, we support our children in developing a personal relationship with God, deepening their understanding of the teachings of Jesus, and recognising their unique place within God’s family.

We aim to nurture in every child a sense of awe and wonder in God’s creation, alongside the confidence to live out their faith with kindness, integrity and compassion.

Our RE Curriculum

We follow the diocesan programme Source to Summit - Lighting the Path, a Scripture-based scheme that provides a clear and engaging structure for learning from Early Years to Year 6.

Through this programme, pupils:

• Learn about the Catholic faith and its traditions
• Explore key Scripture 
• Develop skills to question, reflect, discuss and respond
• Understand how Gospel values shape the way we live

Each year is structured branches linked to the liturgical year allowing then to build layers of knowledge, deepening each year through a growing understanding of scripture, enriched by Catholic art and music. 

Religious Education is given priority in our timetable, meeting the diocesan expectation of at least 10% of teaching time.

Catholic Social Teaching (CST)

Alongside our RE curriculum, we actively teach and promote Catholic Social Teaching, helping our children to live out their faith through action, love and responsibility.

CST encourages pupils to think about how their choices affect others and to work towards building a fairer and more just world. It supports them in understanding that every person is created in God’s image and deserves dignity and respect.

Through CST, children learn about key principles such as:

• Human Dignity – every person is made in the image and likeness of God
• The Common Good – working together so everyone can flourish
• Solidarity – standing alongside others in support and compassion
• Option for the Poor – caring for those most in need
• Stewardship– protecting and valuing God’s world
• Participation – recognising that everyone has a role in their community
• Subsidiarity - everyone has a say
• Distributive Justice - sharing fairly 
• Promoting Peace - being peacemakers

These principles are woven throughout our curriculum, collective worship and learning experiences, enabling pupils to connect their faith with real-life actions. Through CST, our children grow into compassionate, thoughtful individuals who are inspired to make a positive difference in the world.

Faith in the Wider World

We recognise the responsibility of living in a multi-faith and multicultural society and introduce children to other world faiths and practices with an attitude of mutual respect and tolerance.  As part of our RE curriculum, children also learn about other world faiths, fostering respect, understanding and appreciation of diversity in our modern society.

Our programme includes:

• Judaism (Key Stage 1)
• Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism (Key Stage 2)

To enrich their learning, children have the opportunity to:

• Visit places of worship such as synagogues, mosques and gurdwaras
• Hear from visitors who share their faith and experiences
• Reflect on similarities and differences between religions

This helps our pupils grow into respectful, thoughtful individuals who value others’ beliefs and cultures.

Curriculum Enrichment and Parish Partnership

To support and enhance the teaching of Religious Education, we work in partnership with English Martyrs’ Catholic Church. This enables children to make meaningful links between their classroom learning and the lived experience of faith within the Church.

Through this partnership, pupils have opportunities to:

• Deepen their understanding of the Mass, sacraments and liturgical life
• Experience visits and shared celebrations connected to their RE topics
• Learn from clergy, including Fr. Mebrate and Deacon John, who contribute to curriculum enrichment

These experiences bring Religious Education to life and help children develop a deeper understanding of Catholic teachings and traditions within a real-world context.

Preparing Children for Life

Through Religious Education at English Martyrs’, children develop:

• A strong moral understanding
• The ability to reflect on their choices and actions
• Respect for others and the wider world
• Confidence to live out their faith in everyday life

When children leave our school, they are well prepared—spiritually, morally and emotionally—to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Learn More

To explore our RE provision in more detail, please visit:

• RE Overview
• Prayer, Liturgy and Collective Worship
• Policies and Reports