Religious Education

"To Know You More Clearly"

The Religious Education Directory (RED) provides the framework for Religious Education in Catholic schools in England and Wales. Its purpose is to ensure that RE is academically rigorous, rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, and supports pupils in developing a deeper relationship with God. 

Key Principles of the RED
1. RE is at the heart of the Catholic school The RED emphasises that Religious Education is a core subject and central to the mission of the Catholic school. It supports pupils' spiritual, moral, intellectual and personal development while helping them encounter Christ and understand the Catholic faith. 

2. A curriculum based on six knowledge lenses The curriculum is structured around six areas of study:

Hear: Understanding Scripture and God's revelation.
Believe: Exploring Catholic beliefs and doctrine.
Celebrate: Learning about liturgy, prayer and sacraments.
Live: Understanding Christian living and moral teaching.
Dialogue: Engaging with other religions and worldviews.
Encounter: Developing respect and understanding through meeting people of different faiths and beliefs. 

3. Three "Ways of Knowing" Pupils develop knowledge through three complementary approaches:

Understand (head): acquiring knowledge and understanding.
Discern (heart): reflecting critically and making meaning.
Respond (hands): applying learning to life and action.
These encourage pupils not only to learn about faith but also to reflect upon and respond to it. 

4. Academic excellence and disciplinary knowledge The RED promotes RE as a rigorous academic discipline. Pupils are expected to engage with theology, philosophy and human sciences in age-appropriate ways, developing critical thinking, questioning and analytical skills.

5. Dialogue with other faiths and worldviews A significant feature of the RED is its emphasis on dialogue. Pupils learn about other religions and non-religious worldviews, fostering mutual respect, understanding and the ability to engage thoughtfully in a diverse society.

6. Clear progression from EYFS to Secondary The RED sets out expected outcomes for each age phase, ensuring coherent progression in knowledge, understanding and skills from Early Years through to secondary education. 

Summary
The RED aims to help pupils "know You more clearly", referring to knowing God more deeply through study, reflection and encounter. It presents RE as a challenging academic subject that nurtures faith, encourages dialogue, develops critical thinking and supports the mission of Catholic education to form young people intellectually, spiritually and morally.