Bishop Marcus Stock’s Vision is to place Christ at the centre of all of our learning and all that we do.
We consider RE to be at the ‘Core of the Core’ of our curriculum offer. It is at the heart of everything we do here at St.Patrick’s. It is about the Christian Vision of the human person. Religious Education is the study of:
- The mystery of God as discovered through the bible and the teachings of Jesus
- The teachings of the Church
- The lives of saints
- The relationship between our life and how we live out our faith
In Religious Education we also explore other faiths from around the world, we will learn about the traditions of these faiths and their symbols. Our Religious Education curriculum is based on the delivery of the Curriculum Directory supported by the Lighting the Path scheme of work which is used as a guide for the teaching and learning of Religious Education throughout the school. Our RE curriculum enables the children to explore key questions of life from the Christian tradition and how to put what they have learnt into context. We work closely with our Parish of St.Patrick’s to prepare liturgies and we value the partnership between home, school, parish and the wider community.Â
​Why is RE important?
Religious Education plays a vital role in our life here at St.Patrick’s. The beliefs and values we will study will contribute to our children’s personal development and overall well-being and we will promote mutual respect and tolerance of our diverse society. It encourages our children to develop their sense of identity and belonging and plays an important part in preparing our children for adult life , employment and lifelong learning. It will enable our children to develop a respect and sensitivity towards others, in particular those whose faith and beliefs are different from their own.
​How is RE taught at St.Patrick’s?
As a Catholic primary school, Religious Education sits at the heart of our school life and curriculum, fully aligned with our Mission Statement: Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God.
The Religious Education Curriculum taught at St.Patrick’s follows the guidance outlined in the Religious Education Directory for Catholic Schools, Colleges and Academies in England and Wales 2023, “To know You more clearly”, a document produced by the Bishops of England and Wales.Â
Structure
Lighting the Path follows the structure of the recommended model curriculum as outlined in the Religious Education Directory. The school year is divided into six branches of learning, each lasting one half-term and having it’s own core theme. The six branches are:
Autumn 1
Branch 1:Â Creation and Covenant
Children will meet the God who creates and calls a people. They will explore the belief that all comes from God, the Creation accounts in Genesis and the call of God and his covenant with his people through Abraham, Moses and the narrative of the Old Testament.
Autumn 2
Branch 2:Â Prophecy and Promise
Children will explore the teachings of the prophets as they point towards the fulfillment of God’s promise of a messiah, Jesus Christ. They will explore how we wait for the coming of the Messiah in Advent and how this speaks to Christians today as we wait for Christ. Children will learn about the nativity of Jesus and the mystery of the incarnation.
Spring 1
Branch 3:Â Galilee to Jerusalem
Children will experience the ministry of Jesus, the Word of God. They will learn about the life of Jesus and will see how he reveals the Kingdom of God through parables, encounters, miracles and teachings. They will learn about the call of the disciples and what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
Spring 2
Branch 4:Â Desert to Garden
Children will study the season of Lent and will learn how it builds up to the events of Holy Week. They will learn that the events of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday are at the heart of the Catholic Church’s Liturgy and life. They will discover the journey from the desert of Lent to the Garden of resurrection, from darkness to light and from death to life.
Summer 1
Branch 5:Â To the ends of the Earth
Children will learn about the events surrounding the Resurrection, Ascension and the Coming of the Holy Spirit. They will become familiar with the work of the apostles and the early Church. They will also learn about the Catholic Church today and how we can trace our liturgies and structures back to those of the early Church.
Summer 2
Branch 6:Â Dialogue and Encounter
Children will learn how Christians work together with people who have different religious beliefs, and how all people of goodwill work together towards the common good, respecting all humanity.
Catholic Social Teaching
At St Patrick’s, Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is at the heart of our school mission. Rooted in scripture and the belief that every person is created in the image and likeness of God, CST guides how we love, learn, and grow together every day. It provides our children with a moral compass, inspiring them to become compassionate, courageous, and active citizens in God’s world.
Bringing CST Principles to Daily Life
Our daily routines, assemblies, and relationships reflect key Catholic Social Teaching principles in action:
- Human Dignity: We celebrate every individual as a unique gift from God. Mutual respect, inclusion, and kindness ensure every child feels valued, safe, and heard.
- Care for Creation (Laudato Si’): Our eco-initiatives, outdoor learning, and energy-saving routines teach children to act as responsible stewards of God’s wonderful planet.
- Solidarity & The Common Good: Pupils learn to look beyond themselves, regularly participating in charity work, food bank drives, and community outreach to support those in need locally and globally.
- Option for the Poor & Vulnerable: We nurture empathy and social justice, teaching children that standing up for fairness and helping others is at the core of living out the Gospel.
- Subsidiarity & Participation: Leadership roles—such as our School Council, Mini Vinnies, and Eco-Warriors—give pupils a real voice, empowering them to take ownership and lead positive change.
Threaded Through Our Curriculum
Catholic Social Teaching naturally enriches every learning area across St Patrick’s:
- Religious Education: Children explore Jesus’ teachings, parables, and Catholic tradition to understand their personal call to serve others.
- English & Humanities: Reading diverse literature, studying history, and examining global geography build awareness of human rights, equality, and historical justice.
- Science & Outdoor Learning: Studying ecosystems and climate change encourages practical sustainability and respect for the natural world.
- PSHE & RSE: Developing strong moral foundations, healthy relationships, and a deep appreciation for community wellbeing.
By embedding Catholic Social Teaching across our school, St Patrick’s prepares every child to put faith into action and leave a positive footprint on the world.
Other Faiths and Religions
The curriculum also includes dedicated opportunities to study other faiths, recognising the importance of fostering respect, understanding, and awareness of religious diversity. Judaism is typically explored in the Autumn term. In addition, pupils study one other world faith—either Hinduism, Islam, or Sikhism. Throughout the year, we also recognise and mark key celebrations from other faiths, helping children to understand when they take place across the year and to reflect on and appreciate their meaning for those who celebrate them.
This aspect of the curriculum supports pupils in developing a respectful understanding of different beliefs and traditions, helping them to appreciate diversity within both their local community and wider society. In doing so, it also contributes to the promotion of fundamental British Values, particularly mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Come and See letter to parents Autumn
