Other Faiths
Teaching About a Range of Faiths at Sacred Heart
At Sacred Heart, we believe in the importance of fostering understanding and respect among our children for people of other faiths and of no faith. As a Catholic school, we recognise that part of living out our faith involves learning to appreciate and respect the beliefs and traditions of others. We are committed to providing a rich, inclusive educational experience that teaches children about the diverse religious traditions of the world, enabling them to grow as compassionate and open-minded individuals.
Religious Education: A Comprehensive Approach
Our Religious Education (RE) curriculum offers our children a deep and comprehensive understanding of Christianity, but it also includes teaching about other world religions. We believe that learning about various faiths is essential for helping children appreciate different beliefs, cultures, and practices, and for fostering a spirit of global citizenship.
As part of our curriculum, children are taught about:
- Judaism – Exploring the roots of Christianity in the Hebrew Scriptures, Jewish traditions, and the shared history between Jews and Christians.
- Islam – Understanding the beliefs, practices, and values of Islam, and the similarities and differences between Christianity and Islam.
- Hinduism – Learning about the rich cultural heritage, beliefs, and practices of Hinduism, including concepts such as karma, dharma, and moksha.
- Buddhism – Introducing children to the life of the Buddha, the Four Noble Truths, and the practices that guide Buddhist followers on the path to enlightenment.
- Sikhism – We introduce the children to the Gurus, the key practices including prayer and meditation, as well as Seva (selfless service).
Our RE lessons foster an environment where children not only learn about different faiths, but also engage in respectful dialogue, allowing them to ask questions, share insights, and reflect on how the values and beliefs of others intersect with their own.
Promoting Respect and Tolerance
We teach children that understanding other faiths goes beyond simply gaining knowledge — it’s about developing an attitude of respect, tolerance, and compassion. This approach helps children:
- Build Empathy – Understanding the beliefs and practices of others helps students develop empathy and better appreciate diverse ways of life.
- Promote Peaceful Coexistence – In a global society that is often divided by differences, fostering interfaith understanding teaches children how to live in harmony with others, regardless of their religion or background.
- Encourage Dialogue – Our approach encourages open, respectful conversations where children can discuss differences and similarities, and learn how to engage in positive interfaith dialogue.
Preparing Global Citizens
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, understanding and respecting the beliefs of others is essential for promoting peace, social justice, and global solidarity. At Sacred Heart, we believe that learning about a range of faiths helps prepare children to be active, informed, and compassionate global citizens.
Through our RE and Other Faiths curriculum, children are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to live in a diverse world with respect and dignity. We aim to inspire our children to live out their Catholic faith in ways that contribute to the common good and promote harmony and understanding among all people, regardless of their religious background.
re other faiths ltp rolling programme.pdf