World Faiths

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself. Galatians 5:14 

At Our Lady of the Rosary, we are committed to helping every child grow in knowledge, faith and understanding of the world around them. An important part of this is learning about the faiths and beliefs of others. From the earliest years of primary school, Catholic schools are asked to include teaching about other world religions as an integral part of Religious Education. We do this in a way that is rooted in our Catholic identity, encouraging children to understand their own faith more deeply while learning to respect the beliefs and traditions of others.

This work is shaped by Branch 6: Dialogue and Encounter within the Religious Education Directory, which invites pupils to meet others with openness, curiosity and respect. Through dialogue and encounter, children learn not only about other religions, but also how to listen well, ask thoughtful questions and recognise the dignity of every person.

Why we teach about other religions

As a Catholic school, we are called to follow Jesus’ teaching to love our neighbour. Learning about different religions and cultures helps children to recognise the dignity of every person and to grow in respect, empathy and understanding. Through this learning, pupils begin to see both the uniqueness of each faith and the shared values that promote peace, kindness and care for others. This supports our mission to form children who live out Gospel values in their daily lives.

The Bishops of England and Wales ask Catholic schools to help pupils understand the religion of their neighbours and to experience something of their religious life and culture. Teaching about world religions is therefore not an add on to our curriculum but an important part of Religious Education. Within Branch 6: Dialogue and Encounter, pupils are encouraged to engage with the lived experience of faith through discussion, reflection and respectful questioning.

Our school community includes families from a range of faith backgrounds. While many pupils come from Catholic homes, others belong to different traditions. Exploring religious identity together strengthens our sense of community and ensures that every child feels seen, valued and respected. Dialogue and encounter happen not only through lessons but through the relationships we build with families, where different perspectives are welcomed and shared.

Children at Our Lady of the Rosary are growing up in a diverse and multicultural society. Learning about different faiths helps them to develop confidence in meeting people whose beliefs may differ from their own. It encourages thoughtful discussion, respectful listening and an appreciation of the role faith plays in people’s lives. These experiences help pupils grow into compassionate citizens who are able to contribute positively to society and work towards the common good.

How we bring this learning to life

We enrich our curriculum through meaningful experiences that help children encounter the lived reality of faith. Visits include a synagogue, gurdwara and Hindu mandir, where pupils are able to observe places of worship first hand and deepen their understanding through respectful questions and reflection.

Religious leaders, along with parents and members of our school community, have supported this learning by sharing their traditions, beliefs and celebrations with the children. Pupils are also encouraged to speak about their own faith experiences, helping to build understanding through genuine dialogue and shared learning.

These experiences help children grow in understanding, respect and curiosity, encouraging thoughtful conversation and an appreciation of the richness of faith within our wider community.