Religious Education
Religious Education is at the heart of our school. We follow a religious education programme which aims to strengthen our Catholic faith.
The primary purpose of Catholic Education is the step by step study of the mystery of Christ, the teaching of the Church and its application in daily life, therefore the principle aims of the school in terms of the Religious Education which it provides are:
- to lead the children to a deepening knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith.
- to provide opportunities for the children to develop a loving relationship with God and their neighbours.
- to encourage children to respect and be fully aware of the needs of others as equal members of God’s creation.
There are many opportunities for all children to explore their faith and deepen their relationship with Christ including daily collective worship, twice-weekly assemblies, regular liturgies and celebration of Mass.
Our 2019 Diocesan Inspection Report rated us as ‘Outstanding’, stating:
The school mission statement, ‘Learning in the Light of Christ’ is actively lived by all members of the school community. Pupils have a very strong understanding of the call to human flourishing and are proud of the work they do to serve others. Respect for each other and the world around them is embedded across the school.
Annual Faith-Centred Themes
At Pope Paul School, we are proud to cultivate a rich Catholic life that permeates every aspect of our educational journey. Each academic year, we embark on a journey guided by a central theme rooted in our faith, which permeates all aspects of our curriculum and school life. This theme serves as a unifying thread, weaving its way into the fabric of our daily activities and interactions. Past themes, such as ‘Year of Growth,’ ‘Year of Pilgrimage,’ and ‘Year of Diversity,’ reflect our dedication to spiritual development, community engagement, and inclusivity. Through these annual themes, we aim to create an environment where students not only excel academically but also grow in character and compassion, reflecting the values that lie at the heart of our Catholic identity.
Other Faiths
As part of our Religious Education programme, the children are taught about other faiths, in particular Judaism and Islam.
The teaching about other religions is important because:
- Learning about other religions and cultures is one of the ways in which we fulfil our call to love our neighbour. As the Church says, “The love for all men and women is necessarily also a love for their culture. Catholic schools are, by their very vocation, intercultural.” (Congregation for Catholic Education p61).
- The Church states that schools “try to understand better the religion of one’s neighbours, and to experience something of their religious life and culture.” (Catholic Bishops’ Conference p3).
- The Church suggests that schools “find ways in which pupils can learn to engage in dialogue and to develop an attitude of respect for religious diversity. This will necessitate the inclusion of a broader study of both Christianity and of other world faiths in the Religious Education syllabus.” (Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales, 1997)
- It prepares our children for life in modern Britain, giving them an understanding of the beliefs of others.
Fairtrade Group
Pope Paul has been a Fairtrade School since 2011. We were one of the first schools in England to achieve this. Our children are actively involved in promoting the Fairtrade message in the school and the wider community.
“The school’s commitment to Fairtrade allows excellent opportunities for pupils to engage with Catholic social teaching and the Common Good which is well understood by pupils.”
Diocesan Inspection Report May 2015
Liturgy Group
The children across the school have many opportunities to plan, lead and take part in an exciting range of prayer and worship activities. This group is an essential element of developing the pupils’ understanding of service in the community.
“Pupils are confident in planning and leading prayer and worship. The Year 6 Liturgy Group take a leading role in delivering acts of worship to younger pupils.”
Diocesan Inspection Report May 2019
Laudato Si’ Group
At Pope Paul School, we are proud to uphold the teachings of Laudato Si, Pope Francis’s encyclical that calls for a renewed dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. Rooted in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, our Laudato Si Group is a dedicated community of Year 6 pupils who actively seek ways to care for our common home.
Our Laudato Si Group translates ideals into action through initiatives like our Swap Shop, encouraging students to exchange old clothes and uniforms. The introduction of a clothing recycling bin reinforces our commitment to responsible disposal. To conserve energy, our group advocates for lights-off practices. Engaging in litter-picking fosters a clean environment, and educating on proper recycling ensures our school minimizes waste. These concrete steps reflect our dedication to embodying the principles of Laudato Si and St. Francis, creating a sustainable and environmentally conscious community at Pope Paul School.
