St Louis Catholic Primary School

RE Education

Religious Education is the very core of our school and plays a key part in the curriculum. Children extend their knowledge about Catholicism and learn to apply the values and message of the scriptures in their everyday lives. With this foundation of knowledge, we develop the skills of discussion, debate and reflection. We also recognise that it is essential for citizens of modern Britain to be informed, aware and respectful of the faiths of others. We have many pupils who are not Catholic. All are welcome in our school for the richness and diversity they bring to our community. 

Our aim in Religious Education is to lead the children to a living faith through prayer, the Mass, the RE Programme, collective worship and the liturgical life of the Church. Regular whole school or class Celebration of the Word take place each week and each class is involved in preparing and taking part in Mass or Liturgy during the year.

Our children study and celebrate other faiths to develop an understanding and respect of other peoples’ beliefs.

New RE Curriculum Directory 

Over the past few years, the Catholic Education Service has been developing a new RE Curriculum Directory (RECD) to refresh the way that we teach RE in Catholic schools across the country. This was finally completed early last year and work has begun on writing new schemes of work to use in schools.

Clifton Diocese has been working closely with other Dioceses to write a new scheme of work that will be rolled out in different year groups over the next few years. Last year, we began with EYFS and Year 3 piloting the new RECD and materials from Clifton Diocese. This year, Year 1 and Year 4 are also following the new RECD materials.

To best support the transition from the old RECD to the new, the rest of the school has moved to a scheme of work written by the Diocese (based on the old RECD), so that when the other year groups are ready to move to the new RECD they are prepared. Therefore, RE learning might look different in school over the next few years while the new RECD is launched to all year groups. 

Skills Progression in RE

More details on our RE Curriculum (Please click the links below to access the documents)

RE Subject Intent 

RE Learning Overview

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching, calls us all to work for the common good, help build a just society, uphold the dignity of human life and work for justice and the dignity of all our brothers and sisters, especially those in the greatest need.   

What does Catholic Social Teaching look like in our school?

Dignity of the Human Person

Every human person is created in the image and likeness of God.  Therefore, every person’s life and dignity must be respected and supported from conception until the end of their natural life on earth.

Family and Community

The human person is not only sacred, but social.  How society is organized, be it socially, economically, legally or politically has a direct impact on the dignity and growth of every human person and community.  Marriage and family should be supported and strengthened.  Every person has a right to work to support themselves and their families as well as the building up of the common good for all.

Solidarity and the Common Good

We are all People of God, one family.  Therefore what happens to one has an impact on all, locally, nationally and globally.  At the heart of solidarity is the pursuit of peace and justice.  Our love for all calls us to work for a peaceful and just society where everyone has a fair share of the goods needed for a sustainable life, and opportunities for growth and development are offered equally.  The dignity of every person is respected.

Dignity of Work

Work is a way in which we can continue to participate in God’s creation.  Work gives dignity to life and must be carried out in such a way that the basic rights of workers are respected.  Everyone has the right to productive work, to fair and liveable wages, and to organize and join a union.  The economy must be conducted so that it serves the needs of the people.

Rights and Responsibilities

Every person has a fundamental right to life.  It is this right that makes all other rights possible.  Everyone has the right to food, health care, housing, education and employment.  We all need to strive to secure and respect these rights for others both locally and globally.

 Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

Society is judged on how it cares for the poor and vulnerable – our brothers and sisters.  We read in scripture how God has a special concern for the oppressed, poor, vulnerable and those forced to the margins of society.  The Church calls us to respond to the cry of the poor and put their needs first.  This preferential treatment for the poor and vulnerable must be seen in action in our daily lives.

Stewardship

The world God has created for us has been entrusted to everyone and we are responsible and accountable to God as stewards of the earth.  The world has been given to us as a gift, to enjoy and care for so that future generations can enjoy it too.  It is in caring for creation that we show our love and respect for its creator.