RE
Religious Education at
Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Intent
We are a Catholic school and we are committed to the Catholic Faith, recognising and valuing every individual as special and unique in the image and likeness of God. Religious Education at Holy Family respects and promotes each child’s innate capacity for wonder, awe, reverence and spirituality. Our Religious Education curriculum leads our children to aspire not to have more, but to be more; children are taught about God’s love; they learn about their Christian responsibilities; children are provided with experiences of church, Catholic and Christian traditions, as well as being taught to be respectful and understanding of people and traditions from other faith backgrounds.
Implementation
At Holy Family we follow the ‘Come and See’ Religious Education Programme in line with guidance from the Southwark Archdiocese. This programme is followed throughout school from EYFS through to Year 6.
This programme provides:
opportunities for celebration, prayer and reflection in implicit and explicit ways.
children with the language of religious experience - a 'literacy' in religious activities, places, stories, symbols and rituals, people and objects.
a 'systematic presentation of Christian event, message and way of life' in ways appropriate to the age and stage of development of the child.
that for its implementation and production it requires the adults involved to understand the underlying theological as well as educational principles.
appropriate materials about other faiths.
academic respectability as in other curricular areas – utilising appropriate stages from the National Curriculum.
The programme explores the religious dimensions of questions about life, dignity and purpose within the Catholic tradition. Links are made with the children's own experience and with universal experience. It will raise questions and provides material for reflection by the children on their own experiences. It will enable them to explore the beliefs, values and way of life of the Catholic tradition and where appropriate other faith traditions.
Impact
Through Religious Education at Holy Family:
Children learn about their unique place within the home, school and parish community and the world beyond.
They will understand and appreciate the wonder and significance of the Catholic faith.
Children deepen their appreciation of their faith and fulfil their God-given talents
Visits within RE have enriched the lives of the children and they are able to discuss how the experience impacted their knowledge and understanding.
Children of all abilities and backgrounds achieve well in RE, reflected in strong progress that reveals a clear learning journey. Children talk enthusiastically about their learning in RE and are eager to further their learning in the next stages of their education.
Fundamental British Values are evident in RE and children understand how RE can celebrate difference.
The children grow to know and love God, develop their moral and spiritual nature and deepen their faith.
Children live their faith in an active and positive way, always aware of the presence and love of Christ guiding them.
Children develop their relationship with God and become religiously literate.
Through religious practice, the church’s traditions of prayer and worship are upheld.
Children understand that faith plays a central role in their lives and the decisions they make.
Children are confident, resilient and actively engaged in the wider society.
Children reflect and consider important questions about RE.
Curriculum Documents
Our Catholic Life...
(Please also see our Class Pages to view more of our Religious Education in action)
Crowning of Mary Celebration
This week, our Year 1 and Year 2 pupils led a beautiful Crowning of Mary ceremony, honouring Our Lady in this special month of May. The celebration was attended by parents and members of our school community. We were delighted to welcome Father Desmond, who offered a thoughtful homily, reminding us of Mary’s example of faith, humility and love. It was a joyful and prayerful occasion for all involved.
Pilgrimage of Hope - Our School Journey
Inspired by the Pilgrims of Hope theme for Jubilee 2025, our school embarked on a meaningful spiritual journey within our grounds. Pupils participated in a specially designed pilgrimage, visiting five prayer stations—each rooted in Scripture and focused on a different form of prayer: praise, thanksgiving, forgiveness, petition, and listening. These stations offered moments of reflection, healing and renewal, helping the children to deepen their faith and walk together in hope.
Pilgrims of Hope Candle Visit
As part of our Jubilee 2025 celebrations, we were honoured to welcome the Pilgrims of Hope candle to our school. CEO Anne Marie Whittle joined us for this special occasion, where our RE School Council led a reverent Celebration of the Word. The candle symbolises unity, faith, and shared journey, and it will now continue its pilgrimage, visiting each school in our Trust as a sign of our collective hope and spiritual renewal.
Year 4 Led Stations of the Cross
Our Year 4 pupils led a moving and reflective Stations of the Cross, reminding us of Jesus' journey and sacrifice. It was a powerful time of prayer and reflection for our school community during Lent. A heartfelt thank you to all the parents who attended and supported the children as they guided us through this sacred tradition.
Lenten Reflection – Sharing Bread and Washing of Hands
As we approached the end of the 40 days of Lent and prepared for the Easter holidays, our school community gathered for a meaningful act of remembrance. Pupils took part in a symbolic sharing of bread and the washing of hands, echoing Jesus' actions at the Last Supper. Guided by Scripture—“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14)—we entered into a time of silent reflection, placing ourselves in the presence of Jesus during His final moments before the Passion.
Our Prayer Garden – St Francis
Our St Francis Prayer Garden is a quiet, sacred space at the heart of our school—a place for prayer, reflection and peace. Pupils often choose to spend time here alone or with friends, finding calm in the stillness. Prayer intentions can be written and left in the garden, creating a living expression of faith. The RE Council regularly gathers here to share meaningful moments; most recently, they prayed a decade of the Rosary together in honour of Our Lady during the month of May.
Our Mission: Love Jesus, Love Learning, Love Each Other
At the heart of Holy Family School is our mission statement: “Love Jesus, Love Learning, Love Each Other.” These simple yet powerful words guide everything we do and say, shaping the way we learn, grow and live together as a faith-filled community. Prominently displayed at our entrance, this message greets every child each morning and every parent at the end of the day—a daily reminder of the life God calls us to live in love, kindness and purpose.
Our Lady Mary Prayer Space in EYFS
In our EYFS classroom, we have a special prayer space dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. This calm and welcoming area gives our youngest children a chance to learn about Mary, say simple prayers, and enjoy quiet moments of reflection.
