Our Catholic Curriculum
RE Curriculum
10% of curriculum time across the school is dedicated to the teaching of RE which we teach from the guidance of the RE Curriculum Directory. We approach the Catholic Primary Religious Curriculum using 'The Way, The Truth and The Life' scheme which is supplemented by other sources recommended by the Diocese to ensure full coverage of the RE Curriculum Directory. The program compliments the Liturgical Year and enables children to explore and reflect on important events that we celebrate together as a Catholic community. The children learn through 6 core topics which all hold an underlying theme to ensure progression throughout the year groups. Through this program the children gain a rich understanding of Holy Scripture and a development of familiarity with Gospel stories and the importance of the Bible.
Children have the opportunity to learn about other religions through topics based on other faiths. At St John XXIII the children learn a great deal about Judaism, Islam, Sikhism and Hinduism. Children in Key Stage 2 also get an opportunity to visit other places of worship to find out more about these religions. Previous visits have included the London Central Mosque and the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (also known as the ‘Neasden Temple’). Future visits to other places of worship will include the Ealing Gudwara.
The formal assessment of learning in RE occurs at the end of every topic. Teachers assess the level of children’s understanding and attainment using the Diocese’ Levels of Attainment which contain two core levels of understanding; Learning about Religion and Learning from Religion.
All teaching staff within the school have attended training provided by The Westminster of Diocese to develop skills in furthering their faith and in delivering outstanding RE lessons.
Catholic Life of the School and Charitable Work
The outstanding Catholic Life of the School enables the children, parents and staff of St John XXIII to fully understand their faith within the school and within the wider community. Children attend mass at Our Lady of Fatima Parish on special days throughout the Liturgical year, and to celebrate and end each term. KS2 children also visit St Aidan’s Church in East Acton. All classes have a special Class Saint and on Feast Days the classes hold special class Masses for parents to attend.
Each academic year begins with Spirituality Week. This involves various activities that deepen the children’s Catholic faith such as taking part in meditation led by Fr Richard, exploring prayer stations set up in the hall, expressing themselves through art work and learning more about St John XXIII.
We are very fortunate to have Sisters from Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity to work in the school to deliver the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to our younger children. Sister Imelda and Sister Pauline develop the growth of the children’s spiritual relationship with God through their very special weekly sessions. They are provided with the opportunity to really explore the Gospel stories and to understand the signs and symbols used within a Mass.
Year 4 have the role of Mini Vinnies, inspired by the work of St Vincent and the Vincentians of ‘putting words into action’. They are responsible for organising many of the fundraising activities we do within the school, such as supporting the charities Mary’s Meals, The Upper Room, CAFOD, Catholic Children’s Society and the immediate community within the White City Estate.