Religious Education

Religious Education

RED – Years 1 – 5

At our school, Religious Education is taught through the Religious Education Directory (RED): To Know You More Clearly for pupils in Years 1–5. The RED curriculum has been developed by the Catholic Church in England and Wales to help children grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith while encouraging them to reflect on how faith influences daily life.

The curriculum enables pupils to explore Scripture, Catholic beliefs, traditions and practices and to develop an appreciation of their relationship with God, others, and the wider world. Children are encouraged not only to learn about the faith but also to think deeply, ask questions, and respond thoughtfully to what they discover.

The RED curriculum is organised into six branches, which are studied throughout the year and build progressively as children move through school:

1. Creation and Covenant. 

Children explore God's creation of the world, the dignity of every person, and the covenant relationship between God and humanity.

2. Prophecy and Promise

Children learn about God's promises throughout salvation history and how the prophets prepared God's people for the coming of Jesus.

3. From Galilee to Jerusalem

This branch focuses on the life and ministry of Jesus, exploring his teachings, miracles, and mission as he journeys towards Jerusalem.

4. From Desert to Garden

Children reflect on the events of Lent, Holy Week, Jesus' Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and what these mean for Christians today.

5. To the Ends of the Earth

This branch explores the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the mission of the Church to share the Good News throughout the world.

6. Dialogue and Encounter

Children learn about the importance of respecting and engaging with people of different faiths and beliefs, fostering understanding and positive relationships within a diverse society.

Throughout each branch, pupils are encouraged to:

• Understand religious knowledge and beliefs.
• Discern meaning and make connections between faith and life.
• Respond personally and thoughtfully to what they have learned.

Through the RED curriculum, we aim to nurture children who are knowledgeable, reflective, compassionate, and inspired to live out Gospel values in their everyday lives.

Come and See – Year 6

In Year 6, Religious Education is taught through the Come and See programme. This curriculum helps pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith while encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences, beliefs, values, and relationships.

Come and See is based on the belief that learning begins with the children's own life experiences and invites them to explore how these connect with the teachings of Jesus and the traditions of the Catholic Church. Through discussion, reflection, Scripture, prayer, and celebration, pupils are encouraged to deepen their understanding of faith and consider how it influences the way people live.

The programme is organised around three key themes:

Church

Children learn about the Church as a community of believers, exploring its mission, history, and role in the lives of Catholics around the world.

Sacrament

Pupils develop their understanding of the sacraments as signs of God's love and presence, and explore how they help Christians grow in faith.

Christian Living

Children reflect on how Christian values and teachings guide people in their daily lives, encouraging them to make positive choices and contribute to the common good.

Within these themes, pupils explore a range of topics that help them understand the relationship between faith and everyday life. They are  encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and make connections between religious beliefs and contemporary issues.

The Come and See programme supports pupils in becoming thoughtful, respectful, and compassionate individuals who are prepared for the next stage of their education and their continuing journey of faith.