• “Pupils are developing strong knowledge, understanding and skills in religious education.”

• “Pupils are confident to discuss a wide range of topics in religious education and engage enthusiastically with the high-quality questioning posed.”

• “Pupils’ responses demonstrate that they think ethically and use their mission statement as a framework to address the demands of religious commitment in modern day life.”

• “In the senior school, pupils are provided with very specific personalised feedback which they find helpful to improve their work.”

• “Pupils enjoy their lessons and are confident to express their ideas and show independence in learning.”

• “They produce work of a consistently high quality, demonstrating excellent presentation, individuality and creativity.”

• “Teachers demonstrate a deep commitment and high expectations in religious education, and they communicate this highly effectively to their pupils.”

• “Pupils have delivered TED talks using Catholic Social Teaching and have addressed MPs in Parliament on ‘The Leaders We Need’, speaking with authority on Laudato Si and the imperative for action.”

Our Religious Education syllabus for Foundation to Key Stage 1 follows the Religious Education Directory (RED).

In Reception, Year 1, and Year 2, pupils are following Lighting the Path (Oxford University Press). Key Stage 2 classes will also transition to Lighting the Path once the Key Stage 2 resources are published. Until then, they are continuing with The Way, The Truth and The Life.

Our Key Stage 3 Religious Education curriculum is guided by the Religious Education Directory (RED) and delivered through the Source to Summit programme, published by Oxford University Press. This programme is designed to immerse pupils in the richness of the Catholic tradition, while encouraging them to think critically, reflect deeply, and grow in understanding.

Pupils explore key themes of faith, scripture, and theology, gaining a secure knowledge of the Catholic Church’s teachings and a deeper appreciation of the Christian story—both historically and in today’s world. Lessons are structured to develop essential skills of enquiry, interpretation, and evaluation, helping pupils engage with both the historical and theological dimensions of their learning.

The Religious Education Directory identifies three essential ways of knowing that shape our approach:

• Understand – Pupils are guided to grasp the meaning of sacred texts, religious beliefs, sacred rites, and the lives of individuals and communities shaped by these traditions.
• Discern – Pupils learn to judge wisely in response to different interpretations, arriving at justified conclusions about what is true, good, and beautiful.
• Respond – Pupils are encouraged to reflect personally and with integrity on their learning, considering how it might influence their actions and choices in the wider world.

Religious Education is at the heart of our curriculum. As the core of the core, every student studies GCSE Religious Studies, following the AQA Specification B (8063). This course begins in the Lent term of Year 9, allowing students to build a strong foundation and engage deeply with the subject over time.

Our GCSE Religious Studies programme offers students the opportunity to:

• Explore Catholic Christianity in depth, examining beliefs, teachings, practices, sources of authority, and forms of religious expression.
• Study Judaism, gaining insight into another major world religion and fostering interfaith understanding.
• Engage with contemporary ethical issues, considering Catholic, other religious, and non-religious perspectives on topics that shape our world today.

Through this curriculum, students are encouraged to:

• Think critically and reflect personally on fundamental questions of meaning, truth, and values.
• Develop their own values, opinions, and attitudes in light of their learning.
• Grow in spiritual and moral awareness, equipping them to live with integrity and compassion in a diverse and complex society.

A Level Religious Studies

At St Augustine’s Priory, students have the opportunity to study A Level Religious Studies, following the Eduqas Specification. This rigorous and thought-provoking course is ideal for students who enjoy exploring deep questions about belief, morality, and human existence. The A Level programme is structured around three key areas – Christianity, Philosophy of Religion, and Religion and Ethics.

By the end of the RS A Level course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking across a range of religious, philosophical, and ethical topics.
• Construct well-reasoned arguments, evaluate different viewpoints, and express their own informed perspectives.
• Engage with complex texts and ideas, developing skills in interpretation and synthesis.
• Apply their understanding to contemporary moral and social issues, showing awareness of religious and non-religious perspectives.
• Prepare for further study in fields such as Theology, Philosophy, Law, Politics, Education, and Social Sciences.

This qualification is highly regarded by universities and employers for its emphasis on reasoning, empathy, and ethical awareness.

Core Religious Education in the Sixth Form

In addition to the A Level course, all students in Priory Sixth participate in Core Religious Education, with one lesson per week. This non-examined course is designed to support students’ spiritual, moral, and personal development, regardless of their academic pathway.

Through Core RE, students will:

• Develop a deeper understanding of Catholic Social Teaching, including themes such as human dignity, solidarity, stewardship, and the common good.
• Reflect on real-world issues such as human trafficking, religious persecution, and environmental justice.
• Engage in dialogue and debate, learning to respect diverse viewpoints and articulate their own beliefs with clarity and integrity.
• Build transferable skills such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, empathy, and effective communication.

Core RE is an essential part of our commitment to educating the whole person, helping students to live out the Gospel values in their daily lives and prepare for life beyond school.

The Religious Education Department offers a rich programme of extracurricular and enrichment activities throughout the academic year, including:

• Jewish Museum Workshops
• External speakers, such as a local Rabbi, CAFOD representatives, and ACN speakers
• A Level RS Masterclass hosted by Oxford University
• Visits to places of worship, including Neasden Mandir and Ealing Gurdwara
• On and off-site retreats for spiritual reflection and community building
• Competition entries to events such as:
  • Diocesan Competitions
  • ISRSA Annual Essay Competition
  • Columban Missionary Schools Media Competition

These experiences help students deepen their understanding of faith, engage with diverse perspectives, and develop leadership and communication skills.