Religious Education
Religious Education Inspection September 2023
We are very proud of our recent Religious Education inspection report. The inspectors recognised what a special school St Joseph's is, made special by the warm and wonderful relationships that exist at every level. Please read our report attached below.
Our Mission
At St Joseph’s, we work, learn and grow together in God’s love
This is how we live our mission
We are gentle
Non-violence; peace; prayer; holiness; dignity; tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
We are kind
Service of neighbour; compassion; sacrifice; partnership; solidarity; example of Jesus
We are honest
Truth; integrity; trust; individual liberty; rule of law
We are respectful
Humility; truth; honesty; dignity; politeness; keeping healthy; stewardship; sustainability; mutual respect; tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
We forgive
Reconciliation; compassion; justice; mercy; love of Jesus; empathy; prayer; mutual respect
We are full of joy
Positivity; recognition of excellence; sharing and celebrating success; holiness; love of Jesus; prayer; solidarity
We have hope
Courage; perseverance; determination; resilience; prayer; self-belief; excellence; solidarity; commitment; sacrifice of Jesus
Come and See
Come and See is a Catholic Primary Religious Education programme for Foundation and Key Stages 1 and 2 published in July 2012, written by a group of experienced diocesan advisors. It follows on from successful trialling in schools in England and Wales and is based on the theological foundations of the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Catechism and the revised RE Curriculum Directory and includes the Catholic attainment levels. The Catechism of the Catholic Church addresses the search for meaning in life. God’s initiative in Revelation who comes to meet us and our response of faith. (cf. CCC26) This pattern guides the structure of the programme and informs the process of each topic, opened up through; Explore, Reveal and Respond.
Collective Worship/Prayer and Liturgy
Collective worship takes place every day at St Joseph's and is an opportunity for children and staff to spend time talking to God and making sense of His word in their lives. Music, stories, prayer, scripture and songs are all part of the Collective Worship sessions and all play a part in bringing spirituality, joy and reflection to the children. Collective Worship may take place indoors or outside in the school grounds. Whole school Collective Worship takes place during assemblies.
As children move up through the school, they are encouraged to play a greater role in planning and delivering Collective Worship in their classes.
RSHE - Relationships and Sex and Health Education
The governors at St Joseph's have adopted the 'Journey in Love' programme to support Relationships and Sex Education in a Christian context. The programme is authentic to the teaching of the Catholic Church and is intended to support teachers and parents in Catholic schools to enable the holistic growth of children. We acknowledge that parents and carers are the key persons for children learning about sex and relationships, the foremost educators. Our programme should complement their role in nurturing their children’s human wholeness. As part of our commitment to you, we will hold a meeting annually for the parents and carers of children in Years 5 and 6 to discuss the programme's contents. You have the right to withdraw your child from this aspect of the curriculum however, this is not to be confused with curriculum Science which is statutory.
Sacramental Programme
At St Joseph's, we work closely with the parish to support our pupils and their families on their sacramental journey.
As part of Liverpool Archdiocese, the sacramental programme which children undertake during their primary school years is called
'With You Always' and is as follows:
- Autumn Term - Sacrament of Reconciliation - eligible pupils in Year 4 of their primary education
- Summer Term - Sacrament of Holy Eucharist - eligible pupils in Year 4 of their primary education
The programme for sacramental preparation in the parish is fully inclusive. Children at the school who are not baptised Catholics are most welcome to join in the preparation programmes and receive special blessings as part of this important faith journey.
As the steps on this sacramental journey require a family commitment, the main resources used are such that they support home and parish led catechesis.
For more information, please visit the Liverpool Archdiocese website and find out more about family led catechesis and the 'With You Always' resources.
http://www.withyoualways.org.uk/