Mission Statement

 

At St Christopher's Catholic Primary School, we embrace each new day and live the Jesus way through:

Caring, Learning and Inspiring’.

 

Religious Education 

Intent

At St Christopher’s Catholic Primary School, Religious Education lies at the heart of everything we do. Rooted in our mission ‘We care, we learn and we inspire,’ and guided by our core values of embracing each new day and live the Jesus way, RE nurtures the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of every child.

Our aim is to:

* Deepen each child’s personal relationship with God and their understanding of Jesus Christ, scripture and Catholic tradition.

* Foster Gospel values such as compassion, respect, justice and forgiveness, helping children live their faith in everyday life.

* Develop spiritually resilient children who can make moral decisions and reflect deeply on life’s big questions.

* Encourage respect for other faiths and cultures, promoting inclusivity and a love of learning about the wider religious world.

* Prepare children to be thoughtful, faith-filled individuals who contribute positively to their communities.

We follow the new Religious Education Directory ‘To Know You More Clearly’, ensuring our curriculum is both theologically rich and age-appropriate, offering meaningful opportunities for prayer, reflection, discussion, and spiritual growth.

Implementation

RE is taught weekly for at least 10% of curriculum time across all year groups.

‘To Know You More Clearly’

Our Religious Education is guided by the new Religious Education Directory (RED) titled ‘To Know You More Clearly’. This curriculum, developed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, supports children in deepening their personal relationship with God while developing a rich understanding of Catholic faith, scripture, and tradition. It explores key theological questions through six topics each year, tailored to the age and stage of each child. Lessons are creative, reflective and rooted in scripture, encouraging children to think deeply about life, faith, and moral choices. Through this curriculum, children not only grow in knowledge but are also supported in living out Gospel values such as compassion, justice, and love in their everyday lives. The RED also ensures children learn about other world faiths, promoting respect, understanding and inclusivity within our diverse society.

Our approach is:

Creative, reflective and inclusive – engaging children through stories, scripture, music, art, discussion, drama and prayer.

Structured and developmental – building on prior knowledge and tailored to children’s age and understanding.

Integrated across school life – through daily acts of worship, collective prayer, liturgical celebrations, charitable action and links with the parish.

Supported by specialist teaching – with regular CPD for staff and close monitoring by the RE Lead and Senior Leadership Team.

We also teach Relationship and Sex Education through ‘A Journey in Love’, which is rooted in Catholic values and interwoven with RE, PSHE and Science. Teaching about identity, love, and relationships is age-appropriate and grounded in faith.

Children regularly plan and lead worship, and participate in Masses, Holy Days and seasonal celebrations such as Advent and Holy Week. Visits, visitors and links with our local community and global charities.

Assessment is ongoing, using pupil voice, written work, discussion and reflection. The RE Lead monitors teaching and learning through book scrutiny, planning reviews and learning walks, and RE is evaluated as part of Catholic Schools Inspection (CSI) preparation.

Impact

The impact of Religious Education at St Christopher’s is seen in the lives, attitudes and achievements of our children. It is clearly demonstrated through the spiritual, academic, moral, and social development of our children, as well as their ability to live out the school’s values in meaningful ways.

Spiritually – Children develop a strong sense of God’s presence in their lives, evidenced by their engagement in prayer and worship, and their ability to reflect on and apply Scripture in daily life. Through a carefully structured RE curriculum, underpinned by the teachings of the Catholic Church, children deepen their understanding of Catholic traditions and sacramental life. Regular spiritual reflection and prayer sessions help children internalise these teachings and live out their faith in practical ways.

Academically – Children at St Christopher’s Catholic Primary School consistently demonstrate good progress in RE. Through a carefully designed curriculum, we ensure children gain a comprehensive understanding of theological concepts, the sacraments, and moral teachings. Our pupils are confident in using religious vocabulary and are able to articulate their thoughts and reflections on faith.

Morally and socially – Children reflect Gospel values in their actions, show respect for others, and contribute meaningfully to their community. We see the impact of RE in the everyday actions and attitudes of our children. Through reflection on Gospel values, pupils demonstrate respect, kindness, and compassion towards others, fostering a positive school community. The school’s commitment to promoting social justice is evident in children’s participation in charity work, their advocacy for the welfare of others, and their efforts to care for the environment.

St Christopher’s children show:

* A mature understanding of Catholic teaching, sacraments, and Christian action.

* Respect and curiosity for different faiths and cultures.

* Confidence in discussing, reflecting and making moral decisions.

* A love of prayer, worship and liturgical life.

* A sense of responsibility for the world, inspired by Catholic Social Teaching.

RE at St Christopher’s forms the foundation for a lifelong journey of faith, enabling every child to fulfil their God-given potential.