Our vision for Religious Education can be summed up in the words of the patron saint of educators, St. John Baptist De La Salle:

“As you are obliged by your duty of state to instruct your children, you ought to be thoroughly impregnated with the Catholic spirit in order to impart it to them. You ought also to be edifying in your conduct as to be a model for those whom you have to teach. Your pupils should see in your decorum the reserve which they themselves should practice; in your wisdom the manner in which they should conduct themselves, and in your piety the respect which they should have in church and at prayers.” Meditation 132

Religious Education at St. Joseph’s College is a vibrant subject which teaches according to the Curriculum Directory of the Bishops of England and Wales. It is a vibrant subject where all pupils are challenged and expected to take a full and active part both academically and spiritually. Academically we are a successful subject which constantly improves the success of our pupils, year on year. Spiritually, working with the Chaplaincy, we strive to encourage the pupils to build a deeper relationship with God and other members of the community. As part of this all pupils lead prayers during lessons and in some year and community celebrations.

Religious Education is taught in three designated rooms the main one of which is in Grecian Villa, built in 1840, and which has a very interesting history of its own, counting among its visitors the then Prince of Wales, later to become Edward VII. Teaching occurs on two periods per week each of fifty minutes. Religious Education is well resourced with all classrooms having interactive facilities and links to the World Wide Web. The College operates a thirty period week, and pupils in years 7-9 are taught in tutor groups. In years 10 and 11 pupils are banded according to ability. There are schemes of work suited to the needs of all the pupils.

In 1913 the, then, Headmaster Brother Julius fsc was inspired to build the College Chapel. The Chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption and seats 250 people. It is open from 7.15am to 5.00pm for anyone who wishes to spend time in quiet prayer and reflection. Assemblies take place in the Chapel every morning; Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every Wednesday lunchtime. Principle services such as the Remembrance Service and the Carol Service are held in the Chapel, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is also available. The Chapel is also used for Baptisms and Funerals and is licensed for the celebration of Weddings.