Discerning Disciples
At Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, we follow Discerning Disciples, the Religious Education curriculum developed for Catholic primary schools in the Archdiocese of Birmingham. It follows the Religious Education Directory, To Know You More Clearly.
Through this curriculum, children develop their knowledge of Scripture, Catholic beliefs, prayer, the sacraments and the life of the Church. They explore important questions, explain their thinking and consider how faith influences the way people live.
A curriculum that builds over time
From Reception to Year 6, children return to six branches each year, exploring new content and building on what they already know.
Younger children begin by recognising and retelling religious stories, learning important words and expressing their ideas. As they progress, they make connections between Scripture, beliefs and religious practices, explain different perspectives and support their answers with reasons.
Explore the six curriculum branches
Select a branch below to find out more.
Branch 1 Creation and Covenant
Children explore God’s creation, the dignity of every person and God’s relationship with His people. They consider our responsibility to care for one another and the world.
Branch 2 Prophecy and Promise
Children learn about God’s promises and the messages of the prophets. They explore how these promises are fulfilled in Jesus and what it means to trust in God.
Branch 3 Galilee to Jerusalem
Children encounter Jesus through His teaching, parables and miracles. They explore what His words and actions reveal about God and how Christians follow His example.
Branch 4 Desert to Garden
Children explore Lent, Holy Week, the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the hope of Easter. They deepen their understanding of forgiveness, reconciliation and new life.
Branch 5 To the Ends of the Earth
Children learn about the Holy Spirit and the mission of the Church. They explore how Christians share the Good News and serve others throughout the world.
Branch 6 Dialogue and Encounter
Children explore Christian traditions and learn about other religions and worldviews. They develop the knowledge and understanding needed to discuss beliefs respectfully and recognise what people can learn from one another.
Making connections in RE
When exploring the Catholic faith, children connect their learning through four areas.
Hear
Listening to and studying Scripture.
Believe
Understanding Catholic beliefs and teachings.
Celebrate
Learning about prayer, liturgy and the sacraments.
Live
Exploring how faith shapes people’s choices and actions.
Through Dialogue and Encounter, children also develop their understanding of different religious traditions, beliefs and ways of life.
Understand, discern and respond
Throughout the curriculum, children develop three connected ways of learning.
Understand
Children build secure knowledge, use religious vocabulary and explain connections between what they have learnt.
Discern
Children ask questions, consider different viewpoints and make thoughtful judgements, giving reasons for their ideas.
Respond
Children reflect on the meaning of their learning and consider how it relates to their own lives and the wider world.
Supporting your child at home
You do not need to have all the answers to talk about RE with your child. Asking what they have learnt, listening to their questions and exploring ideas together can help deepen their understanding.
You might ask:
- Which story or idea have you been exploring?
- What does this help you understand about what Catholics believe?
- What questions would you like to ask?
- How might this influence the way someone lives?
Explore further