World Faiths at St Edmund’s

At St Edmund’s, we serve a wonderfully diverse community here in Tower Hamlets, where many religions, cultures and traditions live side by side. Our pupils come from Catholic, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and non-religious backgrounds, and this richness shapes the way we teach, worship and form our children.

As a Catholic school, learning about other faiths strengthens our own identity. Through the Religious Education Directory (RED) Branch 6: Dialogue and Encounter, pupils learn how to recognise God’s presence in others, show respect, and understand the beliefs and practices of different religions. 

Our aim is simple:
to help every child grow in tolerance, understanding, and the ability to live peacefully with others.

A Structured Programme of Visits & Experiences

Every class takes part in at least one focused faith encounter each year. These experiences help pupils see faith “in action” and understand how different communities worship.

Each visit is followed by a linked assembly to reinforce key messages, promote discussion, and celebrate what pupils have learned.

Our Multi-Faith Prayer & Reflection Room

We are proud to have a dedicated Multi-Faith Prayer and Reflection Room within the school. This space reflects the diversity of St Edmund’s and provides all pupils — from every religious tradition — with a peaceful place for prayer, reflection or quiet time.

It is used for:

• individual prayer

• stillness and mindfulness

• RE small-group dialogue

• pastoral support

• respectful use for faith tradition practices when appropriate

The room embodies our commitment to the dignity of every child and supports the RED’s thematic focus on interfaith encounter, respect and understanding. 

What Pupils Learn

Through lessons, visits and worship, children learn about:

• sacred texts (e.g., Torah, Qur’an)

• prayer practices and places of worship

• festivals such as Shabbat, Ramadan, Diwali and Vaisakhi

• symbols and rituals across world faiths

• the importance of community, charity, service and peace in different religions

These themes link directly to our Gospel assemblies, Peace & Justice missions, and Catholic Social Teaching principles.

How This Supports Catholic Life & Mission

Studying other faiths helps pupils:

• understand the world they live in

• appreciate difference and show respect

• grow in empathy and compassion

• reflect on their own beliefs

• contribute to the common good

• live out our mission: “Through Christ We Learn.”

Our children leave St Edmund’s knowing that every person is created by God and that faith — in all its forms — is a source of dignity, hope and unity.