'As you know, the task of a teacher is not simply to impart information or to provide training in skills intended to deliver some economic benefit to society; education is not and must never be considered as purely utilitarian. It is about forming the human person, equipping him or her to live life to the full – in short it is about imparting wisdom. And true wisdom is inseparable from knowledge of the Creator, for 'both we and our words are in his hand, as are all understanding and skill in crafts'' (Wis 7:16) 
Pope Benedict XVI 
Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales 2012 

At St Joseph’s, our Catholic faith is central to everything we do.

We are extremely proud to be a Catholic school in which both children and adults are supported and encouraged to develop their own faith and spirituality. 

We recognise that our children come from a range of backgrounds and abilities. As such, we are sensitive to each child's life experiences and value their individual contribution to school life. 

We truly believe that every child in our care is made in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, our aim in the teaching of Religious Education is to bring our children to a deep, living, active and personal faith related to their own lives and experiences. 
As teachers, we strive to ensure that our whole curriculum, our moral values and our relationships stem from the Gospel values and that our children are continually reminded of God's loving presence in all that we do.

As recommended by the Diocesan guidelines, the time given to the teaching of Religious Education at St Joseph’s is 10% of the timetable.

Religious education is respected as a core subject and as such must be of a quality to engage and stimulate pupils' intellect, heart and imagination. To ensure these areas are addressed, we follow the 'God Matters' scheme of work, supplemented by materials developed by a diocesan Writing Group, which addresses the requirements of the RE Curriculum Directory for Catholic Education (2012). This strategy aims to provide a curriculum that will be enjoyable to study, and one that endeavours to secure the link between what the church teaches and the classroom by supporting teachers' planning, delivery and assessment opportunities. 

The Come & See scheme is used throughout our school and is split up into different themes which are revisited and developed each year.

As teachers, we encourage all our children to apply the skills that they learn in other literary subjects to their religious education, and maintain that they should investigate the faith with the same enthusiasm and rigour as other subject areas.

Your Right to Withdraw

As a parent, you have the legal right to withdraw your child from some or all of Religious Education (RE) lessons. This right is protected under the Education Act 1996 and applies to all maintained schools, academies, and free schools in England.

Things to Consider Before Withdrawing

Before making a decision, you may want to consider:

• The Purpose of RE: RE is not about promoting a particular faith but about exploring different religious and non-religious worldviews. It helps children develop understanding, respect, and critical thinking skills.
• Alternative Learning: Schools are not required to provide alternative lessons if your child is withdrawn. You may be asked to supervise their learning at home or provide suitable materials.
• Social and Cultural Benefits: RE can help children understand different cultures, beliefs, and moral issues, promoting inclusivity and respect for others.

How to Withdraw Your Child

1. Contact the School: Speak with the Headteacher or RE Coordinator to discuss your concerns and understand the curriculum.
2. Submit a Formal Request: A written request is usually required. You do not need to give a reason.
3. Agree on Arrangements: Schools will discuss how your child’s time will be managed during RE lessons.

Final Thoughts

Withdrawing your child is a personal decision. If you are unsure, consider discussing it with your child, the school, or other parents to make an informed choice.