Religious Education

“Pupils are exceptionally religiously literate and are well versed in religious language consistently throughout all key stages. They speak with confidence and conviction; this is a real strength of the school. .” Section 48 Inspection, September 2021.

At Holy Cross Primary School, Religious Education is the Core and Foundation of the entire educational process. Each child is valued for what they are rather than for what they can do and every child is given equal opportunity for development to the highest potential.

Through Religious Education, we communicate the beliefs and values which should inspire and unify every aspect of school life and the Curriculum.

Children at Holy Cross are enabled to be in touch with God, to know His Church and understand the meaning of Discipleship. We believe that Religious Education is not a subject among many but the foundation of the entire education process.

In addition to studying the Life and Teachings of Jesus, the children study a variety of World Faiths. This enables our pupils to understand more about the larger community and wider world. We show the similarities rather than the differences. We have a duty to foster these similarities because God made all men and women to dwell on earth in harmony.

To help the children develop their knowledge of their faith, the school uses the Dr Margaret Carswell Framework Model which is taught in a three year cycle and links to the liturgical year. The content of this Model offers a systematic programme of study which comprehensively covers all the strands and requirements of the Curriculum Directory.

Each topic plan ensures progression and depth of provision from the following areas:

  • Revelation: Story, Scripture, Memory and Tradition of the Church

  • Church: Community, Discipleship, Witness

  • Celebration: Sacrament, Ritual, Prayer, Worship, Liturgy

  • Life in Christ: Lifestyle, Morality, Values, Attitudes