Guided by the Holy Spirit, we listen, learn and care.
Religious Education is a fundamental part of the curriculum at Dean Gibson and is woven into every aspect of school life. As the core subject, it lies at the heart of our identity as a Catholic school. Religious Education involves the structured study of the mystery of God, the teachings of Jesus Christ, the traditions of the Church, the lives of the Saints, and the connection between faith and everyday life.
Dean Gibson School is fully committed to the Catholic faith, recognising and valuing every child as a unique individual, created in the image and likeness of God.
Our Religious Education curriculum nurtures each child’s sense of wonder, awe, reverence, and spirituality. It encourages children not simply to strive for more, but to grow into being more. Children learn about God’s love, their Christian responsibilities, and are given opportunities to experience church life, Catholic and Christian traditions. They are also taught to show respect and understanding for people of other faiths and cultures.
Religious Education at Dean Gibson Primary School
Our Religious Education curriculum is guided by the new Religious Education Directory (RED), “To Know You More Clearly.” Rooted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and inspired by the constitutions of the Second Vatican Council, this curriculum is designed to form young people who are religiously literate and actively engaged in their faith. It equips children with the knowledge, understanding, and skills to reflect spiritually, think ethically and theologically, and to recognise how religious commitment shapes everyday life.
From September 2025, all year groups at Dean Gibson will follow this new model curriculum.
The curriculum is organised into six branches of learning, each of which is taught in every year group. As children move through school, their learning in each branch builds upon what has been taught before, ensuring steady progression and deeper understanding.
Religious Education is further enhanced and given expression through the liturgical life of the church by attendance and active participation in the Mass and the sacraments through the observance of religious services and festivals. We have regular masses both in school and at church led by Father Hugh. Please visit the Holy Trinity & St George Catholic Church for more information.
Although preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are completed outside of school within the Parish community, during Year 3, the RE curriculum also supports children in this journey towards fuller participation in the Mass and the life of the Church.
The Catholic faith perspective is not an added extra, which we teach and offer to the children, it is integrated into the whole life of the school and into all the aspects of the curriculum. Please visit our Catholic Life page to find out more about how our faith is further reflected in our school life.