Dear Parents/Carers,

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Mrs. Fairclough, and I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Head of Religious Education (RE) at The English Martyrs Catholic School and Sixth Form College. I am excited to join this vibrant community and work with your children to help them deepen their understanding of religious studies, moral values, and the diverse cultures that shape our world.

I am reaching out to ask for your support in encouraging your child to stay focused on their studies, particularly in RE. Religious Education plays a key role in developing critical thinking, ethical reflection, and an appreciation for the diversity of beliefs. These skills will not only serve them well in their exams but also in their broader academic and personal development.

To support our students, we will be offering KS4 Mastery revision sessions every Thursday during lunch and after school. The KS5 sessions will be on a Monday afterschool and a Tuesday lunchtime. These sessions are designed to provide additional help with exam preparation, reinforce key concepts, and offer practice with exam-style questions. I encourage all students to attend these sessions regularly as they can make a significant difference in their exam performance.

Your involvement is vital in helping your child succeed. Here are a few ways you can support them during this time:

-Encourage regular revision at home.
-Ensure they attend the Thursday/Monday revision sessions.
-Discuss what they have learned in class and help them organise their study time.

In addition to the regular curriculum, I am pleased to share that the Religious Education department offers two lunchtime clubs that I believe your children will enjoy:

Monday: Lego Club – A creative and engaging space where students can explore themes of faith and community through hands-on building and teamwork.

Tuesday: RE Through Art Club – A wonderful opportunity for students to express their spirituality and understanding of religious themes through various art forms.

These clubs are designed to provide a fun, relaxed environment for students to explore their faith in new and creative ways, and I encourage all interested students to participate.

I believe that by working together, we can ensure that every student reaches their full potential in Religious Education. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child's progress, please feel free to contact me at school. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to working with you and your children throughout this academic year.

Warm regards,
Mrs R Fairclough
Head of Religious Education