At St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School, we follow the Archdiocese of Birmingham’s Curriculum Strategy for Religious Education in Catholic Schools called “Learning and Growing as People of God”. The strategy clearly lays out the steps to be taken in RE at each stage of the Primary Years.

We then adapt this in order to make our lessons enjoyable and challenging for our children. As part of the strategy the children learn about what it is to live as Christians today, how the Church is organised from global to parish level and the opportunities which exist for them to participate in the life of the Church.

Throughout the year the children also learn about the Liturgical Seasons and have opportunities to link learning to prayer and reflection. Children are taught by committed teachers who plant and nurture the seeds of faith.

Numerous opportunities are created for cross curricular activities that link with and often stem from RE lessons. We use the Internet, visit places of worship and invite people to speak about their Faith.

We hold regular RE Inspire Workshops where parents can work with their child making for example Christmas Cribs and Easter Gardens. These are valued by both the children and their family members.

The Catholic Virtues and Gospel Values permeate the whole curriculum. This is supported by our Gift Ambassadors which consists of pupils, Mrs Crean and our Link Governor, Sister Susan. There is daily prayer and worship in school, in the classroom and in assemblies. Our parish priest, Father Christopher, celebrates Mass in school every week. Each class is involved in the planning and participation of the celebration. He works closely with the children, guiding their journey of faith and being on hand to help them wherever he can.

There is a strong Sacramental focus in each year group. In Year 3 children are prepared to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion and in Year 6 pupils continue their journey of faith by preparing for Confirmation. The children are supported in the preparation and celebration of the Sacraments by the school, parents and the parish.

We assess the children regularly using the national and diocesan assessment. Children have the opportunity at the start of each unit, using the RE Unit Markers to share what they would like to learn and then assess what they feel they have learnt at the end.