Religious Education

At St John’s, we believe that Religious Education is about ‘learning for the greater glory of God and the common good’. The teaching and learning of Religious Education is at the very heart of our curriculum. While Religious Education exists as a discrete subject area in its own right, the skills, concepts attitudes and beliefs learned in the subject permeate every area of life at St John’s Beaumont.

Religious Education at St John’s aims to promote:

• Knowledge and understanding of Catholic faith and life;
• Knowledge and understanding of the response of faith to the ultimate questions about human life, its origin and purpose;
• The skills required to engage in examination of and reflection upon religious belief and practice.
• Reverence for God by developing pupils understanding of the Gospels and by creating an environment which reflects the Gospel values

The Religious Course followed from reception to year 6 is the 'Come and See' Scheme recommended by the Diocese. ‘Come and See’ is developed through three themes based on the documents Gaudium et Spes (Joy and Hope), Lumen Gentium (Christ’s Light to the Nations) and Sacrosanctum Concilium (Celebration) of the Second Vatican Council. Through this scheme the children are taught the basis of the Catholic faith and morality, which is constantly related to their own life experience. Delivering engaging Religious Education at St. John’s Beaumont lessons involves:

• Exploring experiences through story, music, drama, dance and art.
• Investigation
• Story telling
• Consideration of the big questions
• Discussion
• Becoming aware of the questions raised
• Reflecting on the significance of these experiences

Religious Education is a core subject that is also examined at 13+. In Year 7 and Year 8 students follow the syllabus for Common Entrance set by the ISEB Religious Education Syllabus B. Content covered throughout the 2 years is as follows: Creation, the Fall, Abraham, living the covenant, the person of Jesus, discipleship, Kingdom of God, the passion and resurrection, the sacraments, the birth and life of the Church, community life in the Church and the liturgical year.

The study of religion is invaluable as most people in the world choose to live their life by a religious code. Understanding the spiritual, moral and ethical perspectives and traditions of others encourages tolerance and peace and ultimately makes the world a better place.