RE Curriculum

‘An education in the fullness of humanity should be the defining feature of Catholic schools.’ 

 

Pope Francis

Religious Education is taught in accordance with the Levels of Attainment in Religious Education in Catholic Schools and Colleges, directed by the Bishops’ Conference Department for Catholic Education and Formation. The learning is twofold:

• Attainment Target 1(AT1) : Learning about Religion – knowledge and understanding
• Attainment Target 2(AT 2) : Learning from Religion – reflection on meaning with children working to further fulfil and deepen their knowledge
• Attainment Target 3 (AT3) : KS2 only – Children evaluating their learning.

There are four areas of study outlined in the Curriculum Directory: Revelation, Church, Celebration and Life in Christ. The ‘Come and See’ programme is used, as recommended by our Diocese. In addition to this, teachers extend their planning to reflect the events of the liturgical calendar, global events, and the life of the Catholic Church.

As well as covering the delivery of Catholic Education, ‘Come and See’ also contains the resources and units required for us to regularly teach children about other world religions, in order that they develop an appreciation for faith in a wider sense and are appreciative and respectful of the religious beliefs, practices, and observances of others thus enabling them to be responsible and constructive members of the multi-cultural, multi-faith society in which they live. Studying other faiths allows children to “think and speak respectfully of other religions and their followers, and to learn.”- Pope Francis 2013.

The pattern of learning through each key stage is guided by the structure of the programme and informs the process of each topic, opened up through Explore, Reveal and then Respond. As the learning is progressive, each year the children have the opportunity to build on their previous learning of the development of the three themes, namely:

Church (community of faith)

Sacraments (celebration in ritual)

Christian living (way of life)

Each year group firstly learns through Explore, which is the introduction to the topic where the children’s life experience is explored, the questions it raises are wondered at, shared, investigated and their significance reflected upon. Next is Reveal. This is the heart of the programme where knowledge of the Catholic faith is revealed and children can link their learning through the Word, in Scripture, Tradition, doctrine, prayers, rites and Christian living. Lastly, in Respond, the children are able to bring their learning together, to assimilate and then celebrate and respond to what they have learnt, and reflect upon and consider the Christian message in all its richness, in that experience of learning.

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.

Religious Education Curriculum Statement:

INTENT:

• We are a Catholic school and we are committed to the Catholic Faith, recognizing and valuing every individual as special and unique in the image and likeness of God.
• Religious Education at St Scholastica’s respects and promotes each child’s innate capacity for wonder, awe, reverence and spirituality.
• Our Religious Education curriculum leads our children to aspire not to have more, but to be more; children are taught about God’s love; they learn about their Christian responsibilities; children are provided with experiences of church, Catholic and Christian traditions, as well as being taught to be respectful and understanding of people and traditions from other faith backgrounds.
• Through Religious Education our children learn about their unique place within the home, school and parish community.

IMPLEMENTATION:

• The curriculum hours in RE are non-negotiable and will be followed by all staff in the school. This is monitored by the Senior Leadership Team of the school.
• The Subject Leaders for RE will evaluate provision in order to ensure that teaching and learning in RE is strong. Where necessary, staff will receive coaching and training in RE.
• We follow the ‘Come and See’ scheme of work which is approved by the Diocese of Westminster. It is fully aligned to the Religious Education Curriculum Directory and it ensures consistency and progress of all learners.
• Each year group will study a number of units over the year. The units are developmental, building on previous knowledge and experience and taking into account of the children’s age and understanding.
• The RE curriculum will include guest speakers who are specialists in their area and representatives from charities will also visit school.
• RE is taught individually but plays a central role in all areas of school life.
• Success criteria in every RE lesson are set in order to guide children to achieve their potential. This ensures work is demanding and matches the aims of the curriculum.
• High quality teaching responds to the needs of children. Teachers actively mark work in lessons in order to identify misconceptions early.
• Children will be highly engaged in RE lessons through the use of a variety of sources such as religious stories, scripture, religious artwork, songs, music, dance and religious signs and symbols.
• The life and work of key figures in the History of the people of God will be studied, for example, the lives of the saints.
• Approaches will include whole class teaching, group activities and individual work. Children will have opportunities to work individually as well as cooperatively and collaboratively, developing their own knowledge and expertise as well as sharing experiences with others.
• High quality input from experts and educational resources complement the delivery of specialist learning admirably. The idea of vocation will be developed in all year groups.
• Pupils will participate in Mass, feast days, Holy days collective worship which will involve religious actions and worship including the celebration of the sacraments.
• The use of visits and visitors in school will enhance the RE curriculum.

IMPACT:

• Children are happy learners within RE. They experience a wide-ranging number of learning challenges in RE and know appropriate responses to them.
• Through RE, children deepen their appreciation of their faith and fulfill their God-given talents
• Visits within RE have enriched the lives of the children and they are able to discuss how the experience impacted their knowledge and understanding.
• Children of all abilities and backgrounds achieve well in RE, reflected in strong progress that reveals a clear learning journey. Children talk enthusiastically about their learning in RE and are eager to further their learning in the next stages of their education.
• There is a proven track record of success in assessments that reflects the impact of deep learning.
• Clear outcomes focus and guide all RE development plans and drive improvement.
• Fundamental British Values are evident in RE and children understand how RE can celebrate difference.
• The children will grow to know and love God, develop their moral and spiritual nature and deepen their faith.
• Children will live their faith in an active and positive way, always aware of the presence and love of Christ guiding them.
• Children will develop their relationship with God and become religiously literate.
• Through religious practice, the church’s traditions of prayer and worship will be upheld.
• Faith plays a central role in the lives of the children and the decisions they make.
• Children are confident, resilient and actively engaged in the wider society.
• The school environment will reflect and celebrate our Catholic faith.
• Children will be able to define, describe and discuss areas of RE. They will confidently use skills such as retelling, describing, comparing, giving reasons, explaining the meaning of biblical stories and considering the impact of beliefs.
• Children will be able to reflect and consider important questions about RE.
• Through wider reading in RE, children will know about a wide variety of Saints, how we can learn from their example, and historical religious events and figures. They will be able to make links between Jesus’ life and teaching and link it to their own lives, making links between different forms of Christian action, such as in rituals and charitable acts.