The McAuley Catholic High School is blessed to be part of a vibrant family of schools, drawing strength and spirit from the many primary schools that serve it. This shared foundation nurtures a seamless journey of faith and learning, where children grow in confidence, character, and community. United by Gospel values, our schools work together to inspire young people to live with purpose, compassion, and hope.

Welcome to the RE department

We believe that Religious Education is the core of the core curriculum and is to be the source and summit of the whole curriculum. As a Catholic school we are committed to the Catholic faith recognising and valuing every pupil as special and unique; made in the image and likeness of God.

As our Mission statement suggests we believe that through a study of RE at McAuley we are enabling students to live life to the fullest. Our curriculum gives pupils an understanding of the religions and worldviews present in the world today and the skills to engage in respectful and fruitful dialogue with those whose worldviews differ from their own. Throughout the course there is time allowed for spiritual reflection including opportunities to reflect on personal beliefs and how these teachings impact students personally.

Key Stage 3

In teaching pupils year 7-9 we follow the guidance from Bishop’s in England and Wales to teach the Catholic Curriculum Directory – To know you more clearly. This is broken down into 6 strands across each year group. At McAuley we aim to answer big questions such as How does God reveal himself to us? What is the meaning of suffering and Who are we called to be? We explore these questions by following the themes directed by the Curriculum Directory.

Key Stage 4

In Year 10 and 11 pupils follow the Eduqas Route B specification which is broken down into 3 exam papers. 75% of the course is based on Catholic Christianity and worldviews whilst 25% of the course is based on a study of Judaism as directed by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales. In Year 10 we study Foundational Catholic Theology by exploring the themes Origins and Meanings and Good and Evil. In Year 11 we study Applied Catholic Theology by exploring the themes Life and Death and Sin and Forgiveness. The course is 100% exam so building assessment practice into the course is integral to success.

Key Stage 5

In Year 12 and 13 pupils follow OCR exam board and study Ethics, Philosophy and Developments in Christian Thought. At the end of Year 13 students will sit three examination papers where they will be assessed on their knowledge and understanding (A01) and their ability to analyse and evaluate (A02).

Core RE

All students in Sixth Form are required to attend a one hour lesson of Core RE each week as directed by the Bishops of England and Wales. At McAuley we have taken the themes of the new Catholic Curriculum Directory and planned a bespoke course which engages Sixth form students with contemporary issues and asks them to explore them through a moral and ethical lens. Students who successfully attend and complete the course will be eligible for the Stella Maris award which offers students opportunities to develop virtues and contribute to the wider community whilst gathering evidence to achieve a Gold, Silver or Bronze Award.