Intent

It is our intent to have an accessible and engaging curriculum. We want learners to not fear questioning the world around them and for them to develop as religiously literate young people who have a knowledge and understanding of the culture and traditions of our local, national and global community (right to withdraw).

The purpose of teaching this subject and these topics is to break down barriers of ignorance and misunderstanding of other religions. The 'bigger picture' that will come from this subject is that pupils will grow and develop as global citizens, builders of hope and people of God. We want to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to explore different religious beliefs, values and traditions; answer challenging questions and develop a rigorous understanding of the variety of beliefs, practices and religious traditions that are followed in our diverse and multicultural society.  We encourage respect for all systems of belief. We want pupils to know how religious education promotes discernment in an environment where the Catholic faith enables pupils to combat prejudice, preparing them for adult life, employment and life-long learning.

The learning builds on the cultural capital because it involves studying Christianity and other world religions and traditions. This allows for a knowledge and understanding of other cultures to grow and develop. The learning also incorporates the idea of vocations and citizenship and demonstrates the concept of creating young adults who will go out into the world and make educated choices about their roles and contributions in this life.

Our curriculum is one that is rooted in Gospel Values and allows pupils to realise that they are born for greatness – academically, socially, morally and spiritually. We will encourage their God-given talents to ensure that they can continue to become ‘People of God’ and ‘Builders of Hope’. The learning in each topic reinforces and reiterates prior learning by utilising and incorporating Rosenshine’s Principles of Learning.

We recognise that our role as educators is only one ‘stage’ in the journey of life that our pupils take and whilst our Curriculum Map is sequential and provides pupils with the knowledge and skills required to flourish at each stage of their academic journey, we believe it also prepares our pupils for the rest of life and beyond.  In the Gospel of John 10:10, Jesus states that “I come that they may have life, and have it to the full”. This epitomises our curriculum and our Department ethos – that in everything we do, we prepare pupils for life on earth, but also life back with God; that we aim to educate the mind but also the heart and soul.