Subject Co-ordinator: Mrs Walker

RE Statement of Intent

Primarily the purpose of Religious Education, in St Polycarp’s Catholic School, is to make Christ known and to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children. Through Religious Education we aim to make the person of Jesus Christ known and loved, and to place Him and the teachings of the Church at the centre of school life. Children are encouraged to contribute to the Catholic life of the school and to have a good understanding of the school mission. The RECD is currently being updated and a new RE curriculum will be phased in over 2022-25. This year the new RE curriculum will be taught in EYFS, Year 1 and Year 6. Year 2 and Year 5 are working on the RED this year.

‘For all children Religious Education is a proper subject in its own right in the school’s curriculum. It is a rigorous academic discipline, and as such it is to be taught, developed and resourced with the same commitment as any other subject. For those already engaged in the journey of faith, Religious Education will be catechesis, and for some children Religious Education will be evangelisation, the first opportunity to hear the good news of the Gospel.’

(Religious Education Curriculum Directory-RECD)

Challenge and Support

RE is by its very nature a challenging subject; at first, we listen to important religious stories and messages. Then we understand, apply, and analyse ideas. We actively encourage discussion as the primary route to challenge, asking children to Add, Build or Challenge ideas and opinions in a respectful manner.

Support takes various forms; explicit teaching of vocabulary, scaffolding of stories and readings and stem sentences to support oral discussion.

Challenge in practice

Following Year 6’s learning about Genesis, the children were asked…

Q ‘Why do Adam and Eve only realise they are naked after they’ve eaten the fruit?

A ‘Adam and Eve don’t know they’re naked because God is protecting them, therefore making them feel fully clothed. But when they are separated from God, they don’t have that protection, therefore making them feel bare. That’s when they notice they’re naked.’