Religious Education at Oratory Primary School 

Religious Education: Aims and Values 

Introduction 

At Oratory Primary School, Religious Education lies at the heart of everything we do. As a Catholic school, our mission is rooted in the belief that every child is created in the image and likeness of God and is therefore worthy of dignity, care and respect. Religious Education is not simply another subject within the curriculum; it is the foundation upon which our school community is built. Through it, we seek to nurture faith, develop moral understanding, and guide our pupils as they grow in their relationship with God and with one another. 

Our Catholic ethos shapes the life of the school and informs our teaching, our relationships and the way we live together as a community. Through prayer, worship, reflection and service, pupils are encouraged to explore the meaning of faith and develop the values that will guide them throughout their lives. 

This commitment is reflected in our school motto: 

 “We work together, we laugh together, we play together and we pray together.” 

Our motto expresses the essence of our school life. Faith, learning and relationships are intertwined, ensuring that every child experiences a nurturing environment in which they can flourish both spiritually and academically. 

Our Vision for Life and Learning at Oratory Primary School further reflects this mission: 

Our aim is to nurture in our children a strong sense of self belief, to be loving and considerate with others, and keen to make the most of the years which stretch before them to do good. 

This vision is lived out through the core principles that guide our school community: 

We work together, we play together, we laugh together, we pray together. 

In Faith
We provide an environment where children are enabled to build on and deepen their relationship with God. Opportunities for prayer, reflection and liturgy allow pupils to live and grow together as Catholics, developing a personal faith that is thoughtful, reflective and joyful. 

In Community
We recognise the important role families play in the development of each child. We appreciate the expert knowledge that parents have of their children’s strengths and needs and invite families to share that knowledge with us. A strong partnership between home, school and parish is vital in ensuring that children achieve their personal best. 

In Learning
We recognise that all children have particular abilities and aptitudes that should be nurtured and celebrated. Through Religious Education, we encourage pupils to become independent thinkers and reflective learners, secure in the knowledge that with focus, endeavour and support, they can achieve their academic and creative potential. 

In Life
We provide our pupils with a safe and supportive environment in which they can develop the skills they will need for the future. We encourage them to adopt healthy lifestyles, respect the environment and grow as responsible citizens who contribute positively to society. 

In Love
Inspired by the teachings of Christ, we teach our pupils to show kindness, respect and forgiveness. We celebrate our place in God’s family by supporting one another and facing challenges together with courage and compassion. 

Rationale  

Religious Education in a Catholic school is central to the holistic formation of the child. It enables our children to encounter the person and message of Jesus Christ and to explore the teachings, traditions and beliefs of the Catholic Church. 

At Oratory Primary School, Religious Education seeks to develop: 

• A deeper knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith 

• A growing relationship with God through prayer and worship 

• A strong moral and ethical framework rooted in Gospel values 

• Respect and understanding for people of different beliefs and cultures 

• The ability to reflect thoughtfully on life’s big questions 

Through Religious Education, our pupils are invited to explore faith as something living and relevant to their everyday lives. They are encouraged to develop a sense of purpose, responsibility and compassion as they grow into active members of the Church and society. 

Religious Education therefore contributes significantly to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our Oratory pupils and supports them in becoming thoughtful, caring and responsible individuals. 

What We Aim to Promote Through Religious Education at Oratory 

At Oratory Primary School, Religious Education aims to: 

• Nurture a living and active faith within our pupils. 

• Develop knowledge and understanding of Scripture, Catholic tradition and Church teaching. 

• Encourage pupils to reflect on their own beliefs and values. 

• Foster a spirit of prayer, reflection and worship within the school community. 

• Promote Gospel values such as love, forgiveness, compassion and justice. 

• Develop respect and understanding for people of other faiths and cultures. 

• Encourage pupils to recognise their responsibility to care for others and the world God has created. 

• Support pupils in becoming active participants in the life of the Church and wider community. 

Religious Education also plays an important role in helping children understand their place in the world and how they can contribute positively to it through acts of service, kindness and leadership. 

The Religious Education Directory 

At Oratory Primary School, Religious Education is taught in accordance with the Religious Education Directory for Catholic Schools, Colleges and Academies in England and Wales, published by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. 

The Religious Education Directory (RED) provides the national framework for Religious Education in Catholic schools. It sets out the knowledge, understanding and skills pupils should develop as they progress through their education and ensures that the teaching of Religious Education is rooted firmly in Scripture, Catholic tradition and the teachings of the Church. 

The curriculum is structured around six branches, which provide the core framework for learning: 

1.  Creation and Covenant 
2. Prophecy and Promise
3. Galilee to Jerusalem 
4. Desert to Garden 
5. To the Ends of the Earth 
6. Dialogue and Encounter

These branches follow the narrative of salvation history and enable pupils to develop a deep and coherent understanding of the Christian story, from the creation of the world through to the mission of the Church today

Knowledge Lenses 

The three knowledge lenses help pupils engage with faith in a balanced and meaningful way: 

 Hear
Pupils encounter and explore the Word of God through Scripture and Church teaching. 

Believe
Pupils develop knowledge and understanding of Catholic beliefs and doctrine. 

Celebrate
Pupils learn about the liturgical life of the Church and how faith is expressed through prayer, worship and sacramental life. 

These lenses ensure that Religious Education is not limited to knowledge alone but also support the children in deepening their understanding of faith as something that is lived, celebrated and shared. 

 

Teaching and Learning in Religious Education 

At Oratory Primary School, Religious Education is given the highest priority within the curriculum and forms a central part of the school day, as well as 10% of curriculum time dedicated to Religious Education. 

Our teaching aims to be engaging, reflective and inclusive, ensuring that all pupils are able to access and respond to the curriculum. Teachers use a range of strategies to support learning, including:  

• Scripture study and storytelling 

• Discussion and reflection 

• Creative activities such as art, drama and music 

• Opportunities for prayer and meditation 

• Links with liturgy and collective worship 

• Collaborative and independent learning 

Lessons are designed to encourage pupils to think deeply, ask questions and reflect on their own experiences. Pupils are given opportunities to express their ideas, beliefs and feelings in a respectful and supportive environment. 

Assessment in Religious Education is used to support pupils’ learning and ensure progression in knowledge and understanding. Teachers use a variety of approaches, including discussion, written work, creative responses and reflection. 

Religious Education is also enriched through the wider life of the school, including: 

•  Collective worship and liturgical celebrations 
• Celebration of the Church’s liturgical year
• Links with the parish community
• Opportunities for charitable outreach and service 
• Retreats and moments of reflection 

 Through these experiences, the children are able to see how faith is lived and expressed within the school and the wider Catholic community. 

Conclusion 

Religious Education at Oratory Primary School is central to our identity as a Catholic community. It supports our mission to nurture confident, compassionate and thoughtful young people who are inspired by the teachings of Christ. 

Through our curriculum, prayer life and shared experiences, we seek to guide our pupils as they grow in faith, knowledge and understanding. We aim to help them recognise their gifts, develop their sense of responsibility towards others and live out Gospel values in their everyday lives. 

By working together as a school, family and parish community, we strive to ensure that every child at Oratory Primary School experiences what it truly means to work together, play together, laugh together and pray together, growing in faith and love as members of God’s family.