Religious Education in the Catholic School

Catholic schools are guided in all they do by an important and coherent vision of education. This vision is based on the truth revealed by God about ourselves, our life together in community and our ultimate destiny with God. This gives rise to an educational endeavour centred on the person of Jesus Christ, who is our Way, Truth and Life.

Joint Pastoral Letter on Catholic Education: Bishops' Conference 2007

The new national curriculum framework states that 'all state schools...must teach religious education to pupils at every key stage...'. As a Catholic school, the curriculum for Religious Education at St Francis of Assisi Primary School follows the 'Come and See' Catholic Primary Religious Education programme for Foundation and Key stages 1 and 2.

The programme of study, written by a group of experienced diocesan advisors, was introduced across the Archdiocese in September 2012 and has been warmly received by staff and pupils. The child friendly material provided within Come and See allows children to explore the teachings of the Catholic church, as well as other religions, through the use of age appropriate resources and activities.

Each year group from Nursery to Year 6 have their own list of focus topics to consider 
throughout the academic year. The topic will coincide with the church calendar however, the 
depth in which the topic is explored is dependent upon the respective age of the child. For 
example, during Lent, whilst all children will learn about the plight of Christ, our Early Years 
children will consider the importance of growing and new life; Key Stage 1 children explore 
the effect of change and opportunities, with Key Stage 2 children considering the importance 
of self-discipline, sacrifice, death and new life.

At the heart of the programme is the mystery of God’s self-revelation of love through Jesus 
Christ. Come and See gives pupils the opportunity to explore the mystery of faith through 
Scripture and Tradition.

A newsletter, sent out to parents each term, gives further details of the curriculum covered in R. E. and also suggests some activities to be carried out at home which will enhance the curriculum for your children.