World Faiths and Dialogue at St Edmund’s
At St Edmund’s Catholic Primary School, pupils learn about world faiths through the Dialogue and Encounter branch of the Religious Education Directory (RED). This learning helps children to grow in respect, understanding, and dialogue with people of other beliefs, while deepening their own Catholic identity.
We are proud to be a diverse and faith-filled community where pupils learn to see the dignity of every person as a child of God.
Curriculum Overview
Each year group studies at least one world faith. By the time pupils leave Year 6, they will have encountered:
- Judaism
- Islam
- Hinduism
- Sikhism
- Buddhism
- Opportunities for interfaith dialogue
This curriculum is enriched through:
- Visits to places of worship (e.g., mosques, mandirs, gurdwaras, synagogues, churches).
- Workshops led by faith leaders and community groups.
- Creative learning – art, drama, music, and ICT to explore religious stories and traditions.
- Displays and floor books showcasing what pupils have learned and reflected on.
Assemblies & Celebrations of the Word
Every Monday, our Peace and Justice Leaders guide the school in a Celebration of the Word using the four steps of Catholic worship:
- We Gather – with music, prayer focus, and liturgical colours.
- We Listen – to the Gospel and reflect on its meaning.
- We Respond – with prayers, song, drama, or action.
- We Go Forth – carrying the Gospel into daily life with a mission.
Pupils also lead spontaneous prayers, offering intentions for their families, the sick, the vulnerable, and for peace in the world. These moments show the depth of pupils’ compassion and confidence in prayer.
Assemblies link to Catholic Social Teaching and often pose open-ended theological questions such as:
- How does God call us to live justly?
- What does it mean to see Christ in the poor?
- How can we use our talents to serve others?
We also mark key liturgical and community events such as Harvest, Remembrance, Interfaith Week, and Holocaust Memorial Day, always linking to the Gospel and our mission “Through Christ we learn.”
Prayer Spaces Across School
- Classrooms: Each classroom has a Catholic prayer focus table with liturgical cloths, Bible, cross, and prayer resources.
- Reception Prayer Book & Prayer Boxes: Parents, carers, pupils, and visitors are invited to add prayers or intentions. These are shared in assemblies and become part of our living school prayer.
- Prayer Garden: A dedicated outdoor area for quiet reflection, class liturgies, and collective worship.
- Interfaith Reflection Space: A welcoming room that reflects our inclusivity and respect for diversity. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, it provides a quiet place for prayer and reflection, supporting our work on Dialogue and Encounter while ensuring that every member of our community feels valued.
Respect for All Faiths in Practice
- Curriculum & Displays: RE work on Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism is showcased across school.
- Visits & Workshops: Pupils meet with faith leaders and visit places of worship to deepen understanding.
- Assemblies & Worship: We acknowledge and respect the presence of other faith traditions in our world, while remaining firmly rooted in Catholic worship.
- Parent & Community Links: Families of all faiths are welcome to contribute to our prayer life, assemblies, and celebrations.
Catholic Social Teaching Connection
Our approach to world faiths and inclusivity is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching:
- Dignity of the Person – recognising each child and adult as made in God’s image.
- Solidarity – standing alongside people of all backgrounds.
- Care for Creation – building respect and peace across the world.
Through Dialogue and Encounter, pupils leave St Edmund’s as faith-filled, respectful, and compassionate citizens who are confident in their Catholic faith while open to dialogue with the wider world.
Enrichment and Experiences
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Workshops: Visitors deliver interactive sessions on Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism, using artefacts, storytelling, drama, and music.
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Visits: Pupils visit a synagogue, mosque, Hindu temple, and Sikh gurdwara, bringing classroom learning to life.
Evidence of Learning
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Examples of Work: Pupils produce reflections, reports, artwork, and projects, recorded in RE floor books and portfolios.
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Displays: Classrooms and corridors showcase artefacts, posters, and children’s work, demonstrating respect for religious diversity.