Religious Education (RE)

RE CURRICULUM STATEMENT

Learning & Growing as the People of God

The schools of the Archdiocese of Birmingham use the Diocese’s own curriculum strategy from Reception to Year 6 called ‘Learning & Growing as the People of God.’ (often referred to as the Strategy). The Strategy was written using the Learning Outcomes provided in the Bishops’ Conference document the Curriculum Directory as a basis. Rather than produce a lesson by lesson scheme of work the Strategy provides teachers with a range of suggested cross-curricula activities which we use and adapt to suit the needs of the learners in their class in order that their children achieve the learning outcomes. This flexibility also allows teachers to incorporate their own ideas, creativity and imagination into the delivery of the Strategy.

The Strategy is divided into a number of units, usually 12, which cover four main areas of study. It is through the construction of a spiral curriculum that children’s knowledge and understanding is developed. The children learn about the Liturgical Seasons of the Church’s year. They find out about the significance of each season, its particular signs and symbols and the different liturgies celebrated in each season. The children also study both Old Testament and New Testament Scripture in order to give them familiarity and knowledge of Scripture as well as allowing them to explore and understand how our Catholic beliefs are rooted in what Scripture reveals to us.

Sacramental preparation takes place in Year 3 and Year 6 as part of the taught curriculum with preparation for Holy Communion and Confirmation. A key element to each unit is the opportunity to link the learning with opportunities for prayer and reflection.

Other faiths are explored through focused themed weeks. Children learn about other faiths celebrated across the world as well as in Britain. This strengthens our faith through understanding how others celebrate their faith.