RE Curriculum Lead
Mrs C Butterworth
Curriculum Intent
At the heart of our Religious Education curriculum is the desire to offer every child the opportunity to explore faith, encounter the person of Jesus and reflect on what it means to live a life shaped by love, hope and compassion. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus, our Trust Virtues, Gospel Values and guided by the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, our intent is to inspire pupils to engage thoughtfully with these values and consider how they can shape their daily lives.
We aim to nurture spiritual, moral, cultural and theological understanding, forming individuals who are reflective, compassionate and committed to the common good. RE is not simply a subject; it is central to the mission and identity of our school and supports the wider life of our community. Our hope is that children develop a well‑formed conscience, enabling them to make wise choices, reflect on their experiences and grow in understanding of themselves and others.
We deliver our RE curriculum using The Way, developed in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, which enables pupils to:
- encounter Christ through scripture, sacrament and prayer in an invitational and age‑appropriate way
- explore the richness and depth of Catholic beliefs and practices
- reflect on their own thoughts, questions and experiences of faith
- engage with questions of meaning, purpose and truth in light of Catholic teaching
- develop respect and understanding for people of other faiths and worldviews
Curriculum Implementation
We follow the guidance of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, ensuring that 10% of curriculum time is devoted to RE over 3 lessons a week. Our curriculum provides a progressive exploration of scripture, doctrine, liturgy and Catholic Social Teaching from EYFS to Key Stage 2, allowing pupils to build understanding gradually and meaningfully.
Key features of our implementation include:
- Quality first teaching delivered by staff who receive regular training and opportunities for spiritual development
- Scripture, doctrine and Church teaching presented in ways that are engaging, accessible and rooted in real-life experience
- A rich variety of learning experiences, including discussion, reflection, writing, drama, art and music
- Liturgical celebrations, collective worship and prayer, woven naturally throughout the school day
- Opportunities to live out Catholic Social Teaching through charity, service and global awareness
- Respectful engagement with other religions and worldviews, encouraging dialogue, curiosity and understanding
Children learn through the knowledge lenses: Hear, Believe, Celebrate, Live, Dialogue and Encounter, which guide them through the six branches of The Way and support a holistic understanding of faith.
Curriculum Impact
Through our RE curriculum, we see pupils who are spiritually curious, morally grounded and increasingly able to reflect on the values that shape their lives. Pupils demonstrate growing knowledge of the Catholic faith, confidence in expressing their ideas and a genuine respect for others. They become thoughtful, reflective learners who can engage with big questions about life, faith and the world, showing empathy, compassion and a strong sense of justice.
The impact of RE is evident in:
- secure outcomes in assessments and end‑of‑key‑stage expectations
- thoughtful contributions to class discussions, prayer and worship
- active involvement in charitable work and community action
- positive relationships and a strong sense of belonging within the school and wider Church community
- readiness for life in a diverse and changing world, rooted in Gospel values
Fundamental British Values are woven throughout RE, helping children recognise how faith can celebrate diversity and promote respect. Pupils develop a sound understanding of our Trust Virtues (Compassion and Justice, Honesty and Self‑Belief, Respect and Responsibility, Confidence and Resilience) and can make meaningful links between these virtues and their own lives.
Ultimately, we aim for all pupils to leave our school with a faith that is explored, understood and valued, and with the confidence to make a positive difference in the world as witnesses to Christ’s love through their words, choices and actions.
To see our latest Section 48 report, click here.