Curriculum Intent

Why do we teach Religious Education?

At St. Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Religious Education is at the heart of everything we do. As a Catholic school, our faith shapes every aspect of school life, enabling each child to grow spiritually, morally, academically and socially.

Guided by our mission to strive to be the best we can be for the Glory of God, we celebrate the uniqueness of every child and nurture their God-given talents. Through Religious Education, prayer, worship and daily experiences, we help children develop a deeper relationship with God while learning to love, respect and serve others.

Religious Education is far more than a curriculum subject. It is a living expression of our Catholic faith that permeates our curriculum, relationships and community life. Working closely with our parish community, Fr Ravi and our partner schools, we support every child on their individual faith journey.

Our Aims

At St. Patrick's, Religious Education enables children to:

• Develop a secure knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith.
• Deepen their understanding of Scripture, theology and Church teaching.
• Reflect on moral and social issues through the lens of Catholic teaching.
• Recognise the relationship between faith and everyday life.
• Respect and appreciate people of different faiths, beliefs and cultures.
• Make meaningful connections between Religious Education and other areas of learning.
• Explore questions of meaning, purpose and identity.
• Understand the relationship between faith, life and culture.
• Become active disciples who seek to live out Gospel values each day.

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Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching is integral to the life of our school and is woven throughout the curriculum.

Through age-appropriate study and practical action, children learn how Gospel values can be lived out in service to others. Key themes include:

• Human Dignity
• The Common Good
• Solidarity and Peace
• Care for Creation
• Participation
• Preferential Option for the Poor
• Rights and Responsibilities

These principles are explored through Religious Education lessons, collective worship, charitable initiatives, social action projects and wider curriculum opportunities. As a result, pupils develop compassion, justice, responsibility and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

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Curriculum Implementation

How is Religious Education taught?

Our Religious Education curriculum is shaped by our Catholic mission and the Religious Education Directory.

A minimum of 10% of curriculum time is dedicated to Religious Education across all key stages.

We follow The Vine and The Branches, the programme recommended by the Diocese and designed to fulfil the requirements of the Religious Education Curriculum Directory. This carefully structured curriculum ensures progression in pupils' knowledge and understanding of Scripture, Catholic teaching, prayer and tradition.

Learning is enriched through:

• Drama
• Art
• Music
• History
• Geography
• Computing
• Prayer and liturgy
• Reflection and discussion

We recognise that parents are the first educators of their children in faith and actively work in partnership with families to support each child's spiritual development.

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Living Our Faith

We nurture faith through three key areas:

Creating a Catholic Environment

We foster a caring, inclusive community where every individual is valued and respected as a child of God. Staff model Christian values in their words, actions and relationships, helping children understand how faith can shape daily life.

Prayer, Worship and Liturgy

Working closely with Fr Ravi and our parish community, children participate in a rich programme of prayer and worship throughout the year, including:

• School Masses
• Class liturgies
• Celebration of the Word
• Prayer services
• Liturgical assemblies
• Feast day celebrations

These opportunities help children develop a personal relationship with God and strengthen their understanding of Catholic traditions and practices.

Delivering a Planned Religious Education Programme

Children explore questions of faith, purpose, dignity and meaning through the teachings of the Catholic Church whilst also developing understanding and respect for other faiths and worldviews.

As a Catholic school, we proudly proclaim our faith and warmly welcome families of all faiths and backgrounds into our community.

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The Vine and The Branches

The Religious Education curriculum is organised around six branches which are studied and revisited throughout each year group:

1. Creation and Covenant
2. Prophecy and Promise
3. Galilee to Jerusalem
4. Desert to Garden
5. Ends of the Earth
6. Dialogue and Encounter

Within each branch, pupils deepen their understanding through four key knowledge lenses:

• Hear
• Believe
• Celebrate
• Live

Learning is further developed through three ways of knowing:

• Understand
• Discern
• Respond

Together, these elements encourage children to engage deeply with Scripture, Catholic teaching and their own faith journey.

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Curriculum Impact

What difference does our Religious Education curriculum make?

By the time children leave St. Patrick's Catholic Primary School, they will:

• Live out Gospel values including love, peace, honesty, courage, forgiveness and justice.
• Have a secure and developing understanding of the Catholic faith.
• Recognise and celebrate their God-given talents.
• Demonstrate respect, empathy and compassion towards others.
• Be confident, reflective and independent learners.
• Take pride in producing high-quality work.
• Achieve well and make strong progress in Religious Education.
• Develop a meaningful relationship with God through prayer and worship.
• Understand their place within the Church and the wider global community.
• Show a commitment to serving others and caring for God's creation.
• Be ambassadors for Christ through their words, actions and relationships.

As Our Children Move On

We hope that every pupil leaves St. Patrick's with:

• A commitment to ongoing spiritual growth.
• Integrity and honesty in their relationships with others.
• Resilience and perseverance when facing challenges.
• Curiosity, reflection and a love of learning.
• Confidence to work independently and collaboratively.
• High aspirations for their future.
• A lifelong desire to serve others through faith, compassion and justice.

Through Religious Education, prayer, worship and Catholic Social Teaching, we inspire every child to grow in faith, flourish in life and fulfil their God-given potential, always striving to be the best they can be for the Glory of God.