As we embark on our exciting journey into Religious Education (RE), we want to share with you the wonderful new developments that are shaping our approach to this vital subject. Starting with how we have embraced the new Religious Education Directory – To Know You More Clearly. This framework is essential for schools to implement by September 2026, and here at St Mary's, we’re thrilled to be integrating it across all year groups in various engaging forms.

The directory, titled To Know You More Clearly, and published by the Catholic Education Service (CES), provides a comprehensive overview of the RE landscape from Early Years  to Year 9. Its structured approach features a thoughtfully devised programme of study that aligns with the six half-terms of the academic year, ensuring that our curriculum is both robust and relevant.

What makes this curriculum even more special is its foundation in the important teachings of the Second Vatican Council, complemented by the rich theology found within the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This means that our learners are not simply ticking boxes; rather, they are nurtured to become religiously literate and engaged individuals. The focus is on providing them with the knowledge, understanding, and skills they need to reflect spiritually and think ethically and theologically. Moreover, we are dedicated to helping them recognise the significance of their religious commitments in everyday life. It’s all about helping our students become well-rounded Disciples of Christ.

At St Mary's, we use the RED in conjunction with exciting resources from the schemes "The Vine and the Branches" and "Magister". These materials allow us to deliver lessons that are dynamic, thought-provoking, and inclusive. We want to foster an environment where students feel comfortable exploring their faith, asking questions, and developing their understanding of religious teachings.

In addition, we’re proud to have collaborated with our wider Catholic Cluster of the Heads of the Valleys area to design a curriculum based on the RED alongside Blessed Carlo Acutis School. This partnership opened up a fantastic opportunity for shared learning and teaching practices which not only enrich our curriculum but also enhance the community spirit amongst the schools.

As we move forward, we are genuinely excited about the transformational impact this new curriculum will have on our RE lessons. Our commitment at St Mary's goes beyond merely delivering content; we aim to foster an authentic understanding of faith that empowers our students to live their beliefs through action and service to others. 

The path ahead is bright as we embrace the new Religious Education Directory. We are wholeheartedly dedicated to creating an engaging, enriching, and sacred learning environment that resonates with our learners and prepares them for their journey of faith. We believe that with this new curriculum, we will be able to nurture a generation that not only knows about their faith but lives it out daily, making the world a better place.