Other Faiths
“All religions are paths to God … they are like different languages … But God is God for everyone, and therefore we are all sons and daughters of God.” Pope Francis, 2024
Children at St Mary’s understand the importance of learning about other faiths and worldviews. Learning about the religions and cultures of those who do not share the Catholic faith is one of the ways our Catholic school lives out the call to love one’s neighbour. Our pupils are part of a vibrant and diverse community here in Bristol, with a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. Some of our children and families are practising members of other faiths or of no faith, and our school is proud to be a place of welcome and hospitality for all.
Through our Religious Education curriculum, pupils are encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs and values while developing respect and understanding for others. This prepares them for life in modern Britain, strengthens social harmony, and contributes to the common good by fostering mutual respect and appreciation across our diverse community.
Do Catholic Schools Teach About Other Religions?
Yes. All Catholic schools are required to teach about other religions as part of the Religious Education curriculum. This is a distinctive feature of Catholic RE from the beginning of primary school through to the end of secondary education.
Why Do Catholic Schools Teach About Other Religions?
Teaching about other religions is important for several reasons:
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To live out the Gospel call to love one’s neighbour.
Learning about the religion and cultures of those who do not share the Catholic faith is one of the ways in which Catholic schools embody this call. As the Church teaches, “The love for all men and women is necessarily also a love for their culture. Catholic schools are, by their very vocation, intercultural.” (Congregation for Catholic Education, p.61) -
Because it is required by the Bishops of England and Wales.
The Bishops affirm that the Catholic nature of our schools entails “a willingness… to try to understand better the religion of one’s neighbours, and to experience something of their religious life and culture.” (Catholic Bishops' Conference, p.3) -
To show respect and hospitality to all.
Many of the children in Catholic schools are practising members of other faiths, and our schools are called to be places of welcome for these pupils and their families. It is an act of respect and courtesy that our curriculum helps every child to reflect on the nature of their own religious identity. As the Church reminds us, “All children and young people [including those of other faiths in our Catholic schools] must have the same possibilities for arriving at the knowledge of their own religion as well as of elements that characterize other religions.” (Congregation for Catholic Education) -
To prepare pupils for life in modern Britain.
By understanding the beliefs of others, pupils grow in empathy, openness, and respect. This not only enhances social cohesion but also contributes to the common good by building mutual understanding between people of all faiths and none.
Cultural Day
At St Mary’s, we believe that learning about and celebrating different cultures helps us grow in understanding, respect, and unity. Throughout the year, we embrace opportunities to explore the rich diversity within our school and wider community.
One of the highlights of our summer term was Cultural Day, where children came to school dressed in clothing that represented their own heritage or a culture they admire. Outfits included traditional dress, colours of national flags, and meaningful items that reflected the beauty of global traditions. It was a joyful day filled with storytelling, music, food, and shared experiences.
We ended the day with our much-loved International Evening, organised by FOSM (Friends of St Mary’s). Families came together to enjoy food, and displays from around the world — all contributed by our school community. It was a powerful reminder of the richness we share and the importance of celebrating our differences.
Beyond these events, we continue to explore world cultures through themed curriculum weeks, assemblies, and classroom projects. Whether learning about global festivals, tasting international cuisine, or hearing stories from different faiths and traditions, our children are encouraged to be curious, compassionate, and proud of who they are.
At St Mary’s, every culture is valued, every voice is heard, and every celebration brings us closer together. We will now hold this event annually.
Learning throughout the year
At St Mary’s, we are committed to nurturing understanding, respect, and curiosity about different faiths and cultures. While we dedicate a special Multi-Faith Week each year to explore world religions in depth, our learning continues throughout the school year in many meaningful ways.
Our assemblies are carefully planned to coincide with key religious celebrations and feasts, helping children learn about the beliefs and traditions of others. These moments offer opportunities to reflect, ask questions, and recognise the shared values across faiths.
These assemblies are often supported by classroom activities and pupil-led reflections. Children are encouraged to share their own experiences and family traditions, helping us build a school culture rooted in respect and inclusion.
Rosh Hashanah
In our assembly in September, children learned about Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. They discovered it’s a time for reflection, asking for forgiveness, and preparing for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. We explored traditions like blowing the shofar in the synagogue, casting away sins into water, and sharing apples dipped in honey and round Challah bread to symbolise a sweet and eternal new year.
We ended the assembly by joyfully shouting the Hebrew greeting: “Shana Tovah!”
Multi-Faith week - Hinduism
At St Mary’s, our Multi-Faith and Arts Week was a vibrant celebration of learning, creativity, and cultural understanding. This year, we focused on Hinduism, giving children the opportunity to explore one of the world’s oldest and most diverse faiths through hands-on experiences and meaningful dialogue.
We began the week with special visitors who shared their personal journeys of faith, helping us understand what Hinduism means to them and how it shapes their daily lives. Each class then took part in interactive workshops, exploring different aspects of Hindu belief and practice — from sacred texts and symbols to festivals, prayer, and daily life.
Throughout the week, every class focused on a different area of the Hindu faith, learning through stories, discussion, art, and reflection. This allowed children to build a rich and varied understanding of Hinduism across the school.
Alongside our faith learning, we developed new art skills, inspired by Indian culture. Children experimented with vibrant colours, patterns, and techniques, creating beautiful pieces that reflected the themes of unity, spirituality, and celebration.
A highlight of the week was our Indian dance workshop, where pupils learned traditional movements and rhythms, connecting with the joy and expression found in Hindu celebrations.
We were especially fortunate to welcome a parent who spoke to the children about his own Hindu faith, offering a personal and heartfelt perspective. Some of our pupils also shared their beliefs, creating a space of respect, curiosity, and community.
At the end of the week, we came together as a whole school to share our learning, celebrate our creativity, and reflect on the importance of understanding and respecting different faiths. It was a joyful journey of faith, art, and connection — one we’ll carry with us throughout the year.
Multi-Faith Week - Judaism
Our Judaism Week was a rich and inspiring opportunity for children and staff to deepen their understanding of Jewish faith, traditions, and culture. Across the school, pupils explored key aspects of Judaism through lessons, stories, and creative activities.
A highlight of the week was welcoming guest speakers, who led engaging sessions with both KS1 and KS2. They shared personal insights into their faith, answered thoughtful questions, and helped bring classroom learning to life. We were especially grateful when one of our guests shared Challah bread, traditionally eaten on Shabbat, with the children — a meaningful and delicious moment of connection.
To support this learning, staff also took part in dedicated INSET training focused on Judaism. This helped deepen their subject knowledge and provided practical ideas for enriching RE lessons throughout the year.
Children learned about Jewish festivals, symbols, places of worship, and the importance of reflection and community in Jewish life. The week encouraged curiosity, respect, and appreciation for the richness of religious traditions.