Religious Education

At St Charles, Religious Education (RE) is central to our curriculum and underpins everything we do as a Catholic school. We follow the new Religious Education Curriculum Directory (RECD) from the Diocese, ensuring that all pupils develop a secure understanding of the Catholic faith and its values in everyday life.

This year we are beginning to adopt the new scheme of work from Oxford University Press, called Lighting the Path. This programme supports the RECD and provides a progressive, engaging and theologically rich curriculum that deepens children’s knowledge of Scripture, tradition and Catholic social teaching.

Aims of Our RE Curriculum

• To help children know and understand the teachings of the Catholic faith

• To encourage children to reflect on Gospel values and apply them in their daily lives

• To explore key questions of meaning, purpose and belonging

• To promote respect and understanding of other faiths and beliefs

• To develop children’s ability to express their faith through prayer, worship, art, music and writing

What Children Learn

Each year group explores a range of themes that build progressively on previous learning. Topics include:

• Creation and Covenant – understanding God’s love for all creation

• People of God – learning about the stories and messages of the Old Testament

• Incarnation and Salvation – exploring the life, death and resurrection of Jesus

• Church and Community – understanding how faith is lived out today

• World Faiths – learning about Judaism, Islam and other faiths to promote respect and dialogue

Children also take part in special liturgical events and celebrations throughout the year, such as Masses, feast days, retreats and charitable activities linked to our Caritas themes.

How We Teach RE

• Each class takes part in weekly RE lessons supported by high-quality resources from Lighting the Path.

• Lessons include Scripture, discussion, creative activities and opportunities for reflection and prayer.

• Teachers use a mixture of core and flexible lessons, allowing for creativity while ensuring all key outcomes are met.

• Assessment focuses on understanding, reflection and the ability to live out faith through action.

Living Out Our Faith

As a Catholic school, we strive to help every child grow spiritually and morally. Our RE curriculum is closely linked to our mission statement, GIFT (Growing in Faith Together) team, and school chaplaincy work. Through prayer, worship, and service, pupils learn to live their faith with kindness, compassion and joy.