Religious Education
“Education forms the whole person: head, heart, and hands.” | Pope Francis
Subject Lead – Mrs Walsh
At St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School, Religious Education (RE) is at the heart of our school life. Inspired by the Gospel and the example of St Cuthbert, we aim to nurture each child’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. We encourage our pupils to grow as confident, compassionate individuals who know they are loved by God and are called to serve others.
RE is a core subject and central to the Catholic character and mission of our school. In line with guidance from the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, at least 10% of curriculum time is dedicated to Religious Education, reflecting its importance in helping children to deepen their faith, develop their relationship with God and understand the beliefs and values of others.
The Come and See Programme
We follow the Come and See Religious Education programme, which is rooted in Scripture, Tradition and the teachings of the Catholic Church. This programme places pupils’ life experiences at the centre of learning and encourages meaningful reflection and response.
• Through Come and See, pupils are given opportunities to:
• Explore important questions about life, faith and purpose
• Develop knowledge and understanding of Catholic beliefs and practices
• Reflect, wonder and respond to God’s presence in their lives
• Show respect for the beliefs of others
Each topic follows the Explore, Reveal and Respond approach, enabling children to begin with their own experiences, encounter the Gospel message and reflect prayerfully on how faith shapes everyday life.
Teaching and Learning
RE lessons at St Cuthbert’s are engaging, reflective and inclusive. Teaching is carefully planned to meet the needs of all learners and uses a wide range of approaches, including:
• Scripture and storytelling
• Prayer, liturgy and worship
• Discussion, drama, art and music
• Religious artefacts and sacred spaces
Prayer is woven naturally into classroom practice and daily school life, helping pupils develop a personal relationship with God.
Other World Faiths
Alongside learning about the Catholic faith, pupils also learn about Judaism and Islam as part of the Come and See curriculum. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of faiths, cultures and traditions within our school and wider community.
Pupils are encouraged to understand what it means to live and practise different faiths, helping to broaden their experiences and deepen understanding. Our Religious Education curriculum is underpinned by the values of understanding, respect, tolerance and love, supporting pupils to become well rounded, spiritually aware and respectful individuals who are prepared to live harmoniously in an increasingly diverse world.
