RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Overview
Religious Education at St Philip’s is central to our mission and helps boys understand the Catholic faith in an age-appropriate, thoughtful and engaging way. From Reception upwards, pupils explore Scripture, doctrine and big questions about meaning, responsibility and God’s love, while learning how faith inspires action, compassion and service.
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As boys progress through the school, the curriculum develops in depth and challenge, fostering religious literacy, curiosity and respectful debate. Lessons link naturally to the wider life of the school, encouraging boys to connect belief with daily habits of kindness, gratitude and care for others.
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Through this approach, Religious Education forms both mind and character, preparing boys not only for academic assessments but for the wider journey of faith, ethical thinking and confident engagement with the world around them.
Strong progress
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Religious Education at St Philip’s is ambitious in scope and central to school life. Boys make strong progress from the earliest years, developing secure foundations in Scripture, Catholic belief and religious vocabulary. As they move through the school, their learning becomes increasingly analytical and reflective, encouraging them to explore key theological ideas, moral questions and the relationship between belief and daily life. Pupils enjoy their RS lessons, engage confidently in discussion, and show curiosity about faith and the world around them, demonstrating that Religious Education is both academically rigorous and personally meaningful.​
Structured teaching
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​Teaching is well-structured and rooted in the Religious Education Directory. Lessons are sequenced to build knowledge over time and to promote accurate religious literacy, thoughtful debate and reflective writing. A range of approaches—discussion, written work, questioning, art and age-appropriate digital resources—supports learning and ensures that pupils of different abilities can progress. Feedback is purposeful and understood by pupils, particularly in the older years, where boys respond to written comments and take responsibility for improving their work. The curriculum aligns both with the RED and with 13+ ISEB requirements in the senior years, allowing boys to achieve well in external examinations while retaining a theological and catechetical core.​​
Careful oversight
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​Leadership of Religious Education is strong and mission-driven. The subject enjoys parity of esteem with other core subjects and benefits from clear monitoring, evaluation and curriculum development. Governors and senior leaders receive regular updates on standards, curriculum evolution and pupil progress, ensuring that Religious Education remains well-resourced, accurately assessed and continually improving. Partnership with chaplaincy, the parish and the diocese strengthens provision, giving pupils a coherent experience of faith that unites classroom learning with worship and the wider mission of the Church.​
Impact
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Through these combined elements, Religious Education at St Philip’s forms both intellect and character, equipping boys to think theologically, reason ethically and see faith as a living encounter with God.
