St. Ethelbert's CatholicCurriculum
Here at St Ethelbert's, we strive to provide all of our pupils with a robust and engaging RE Curriculum based on the recommendations from The Bishop's Conference of England and Wales. The children receive, high quality lessons that offer exposure to scripture, thought provoking questions and a chance to interact with the teachings of the catholic faith. Children also learn about other world religions throughout the year, we endeavour to ensure this is reflective of our school community so all of our pupils feel included in our religious studies. In accordance with the guidelines from the Bishops' Conference the children at St Ethelbert's receive 2.5 hours of Religious Education each week. Interwoven through out the curriculum are opportunites to practise the Catholic faith through Catholic life, Catholic Social Teaching & Prayer and Worship
Come and See
Currently, year groups 2 - 5 follow the religious programme for primary schools ‘Come and See’. As the name suggests, it is an invitation to exploration and a promise of life for everyone. The programme is based on Scripture and the Tradition of the Church. The programme is underpinned by the theology of Vatican II, starting with Revelation – God Speaks. ’Come and See’ is developed through three themes which are gradually explored each season in greater depths. They are Church, Sacrament and Christian Living.
To Know You More Clearly
The new Religious Curriculum Directory focuses on children entering into a dialogue with the Catholic faith and focuses on children being able 'to be confident and secure in their religious faith [Catholicism] and knowledgeable and respectful of other religions' which will play a 'crucial role in a cohesive society' (Christ at the centre, 2012 p9).
Each programme of study is made of 6 branches; Creation and Covenant, Prophecy and Promise, Galilee to Jerusalem, Desert to Garden, To the Ends of the Earth and Dialogue and Encounter. Branches 1 - 5 follow the liturgical year beginning with the promise of Jesus' birth and Advent, and culminating in the celebration of Pentecost in June, the final branch offers the opportunity for children to encounter other world religions and enter into a dialogue with them alongside Catholicism. Each branch covers a half term.
Within each branch children will develop their understanding of scripture, practise discernment based around the teachings of scripture considering what their thoughts are and respond to their learning with reflections, art work and questions of their own.
Each branch also uses 4 knowledge lens', Hear - based on prayer and scripture; Believe - what is the belief that comes from the prayer of scripture; Celebrate - how do Catholics remember, respect or celebrate those teachings today and finally Live; what do those beliefs look like in today's society through people, artwork, the work of charities etc.