Learning About Other Faiths and Religions

Why Do Catholic Schools Teach About Other Religions?

At SS John & Monica Catholic Primary School, our Catholic faith is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing a rich, engaging and inclusive Religious Education curriculum that enables children to deepen their understanding of their own faith while developing knowledge, respect and appreciation for the beliefs and traditions of others.

As a Catholic school, we recognise that learning about other religions is an essential part of our mission. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, we encourage children to recognise the dignity of every person, celebrate diversity and build positive relationships with others, regardless of their religious background.

The Catholic Church actively promotes interreligious dialogue, mutual understanding and respect. Through its teaching, particularly in Nostra Aetate (the Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions), the Church encourages Catholics to recognise and appreciate the spiritual and moral values found in other religious traditions.

Learning about other faiths therefore strengthens, rather than diminishes, our Catholic identity by helping children put into practice Jesus' commandment:

“Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)

Why Is This Important?

Teaching about other religions is an important part of Catholic education because it:

  • Reflects the mission of the Catholic Church – Encouraging dialogue, understanding and positive relationships between people of different religious traditions.

  • Promotes dignity and respect – Helping children recognise that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and deserves to be treated with kindness, fairness and compassion.

  • Celebrates diversity and inclusion – Valuing the religious and cultural backgrounds of all children and families within our school and wider community.

  • Challenges prejudice and misconceptions – Developing accurate knowledge and understanding of different beliefs, encouraging children to question stereotypes and appreciate different perspectives.

  • Prepares children for life in modern Britain – Equipping pupils with the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to live harmoniously in a diverse, multicultural and multifaith society.

  • Supports spiritual, moral, social and cultural development – Providing opportunities for children to reflect upon their own beliefs, values and experiences while developing an understanding of those of others.

  • Promotes the Common Good – Encouraging children to contribute positively to a society built upon mutual respect, justice, peace and solidarity.

How Do We Teach About Other Religions?

Learning about other faiths is an integral part of our Religious Education curriculum and is taught in accordance with the Religious Education Directory, To Know You More Clearly, as introduced by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales.

Through carefully planned, age-appropriate learning opportunities, children explore the beliefs, traditions and practices of other world religions, developing an understanding of both their distinctive characteristics and the values that connect people of different faiths.

Children are encouraged to explore:

  • Key religious beliefs, teachings and traditions.

  • Sacred texts, symbols and places of worship.

  • Religious festivals, celebrations and customs.

  • The importance of prayer, worship and religious practices.

  • How faith influences the everyday lives, choices and values of believers.

  • Similarities and differences between religious traditions, approached with sensitivity and respect.

Where appropriate, learning is enriched through stories, artefacts, visitors, educational experiences and opportunities for discussion and reflection.

We encourage children to ask thoughtful questions, listen respectfully to different perspectives and develop an informed appreciation of the richness of religious diversity.

Growing in Faith, Understanding and Respect

Our aim is not simply for children to acquire knowledge about other religions, but to develop the attitudes and values that will enable them to become compassionate, respectful and responsible members of society.

By learning about the faith and traditions of others, children develop a deeper understanding of the world around them while strengthening their own sense of identity and belonging.

At SS John & Monica's, we believe that a strong Catholic identity goes hand in hand with openness, hospitality and respect for others.

Through our Religious Education curriculum, we strive to nurture children who are confident in their faith, curious about the world and committed to building a community in which everyone is welcomed, respected and valued.

This reflects our school mission:

“We learn through the example of Jesus to love, respect, understand and value each other.”

  • In EYFS and Y1, the children visit our parish Church. They can speak to Fr. Babu, our parish priest, and develop their knowledge about the Catholic faith.
  • In Y2, the children learn about Sikhism and visit a Gurdwara.
  • In Y3, the children learn about Judaism and visit a Synagogue.
  • In Y4, the children learn about Buddhism and visit a Temple. 
  • In Y5, the children learn about Hinduism and visit a Mandir. 
  • In Y6, the children learn about Islam and visit a Mosque. 

Where face-to-face visits are not possible, these experiences are provided virtually.