RE

Religious Education at St Francis’ Catholic Primary School

Discerning Disciples

At St Francis Catholic Primary School, Religious Education helps children to grow in faith, knowledge and understanding. Through the Birmingham Archdiocese Discerning Disciples curriculum, children are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, explore the Catholic faith and develop the confidence to make wise and compassionate choices.

A discerning disciple is someone who listens carefully, thinks deeply and seeks to follow Jesus in daily life. Discerning disciples learn from Scripture and the teachings of the Church, reflect on their own experiences, and consider how they can live with love, justice, forgiveness and respect. This learning supports children in becoming active members of their communities and responsible citizens in the wider world.

The branches of learning

The curriculum is organised into six branches. Each branch connects Bible stories, Catholic teaching, prayer, worship and children’s own lives.

Creation and Covenant
Children explore God as Creator, the wonder of the world, the dignity of every person and the special relationship, or covenant, between God and his people.
Prophecy and Promise
Children learn about the prophets, God’s promises and the hope of the coming of the Messiah. They consider how Christians can speak up for what is right and bring hope to others.
Galilee to Jerusalem
This branch focuses on the life, teachings, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. Children explore his parables, miracles, relationships and call to discipleship.
Desert to Garden
Children learn about Lent, Holy Week and Easter. They reflect on temptation, sacrifice, suffering, forgiveness, new life and the joy of the Resurrection.
To the Ends of the Earth
Children explore the work of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost, the early Church and the mission of Christians. They consider how the Church shares the Good News and serves people throughout the world.
Dialogue and Encounter
Children learn about the Catholic Church’s relationship with other Christian traditions and world religions. They develop respect for different beliefs and explore how dialogue, friendship and cooperation can help build a peaceful world.

The lenses we use

Children study each branch through three complementary lenses:

Theological lens – learning what the Bible and the teachings of the Catholic Church reveal about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Christian belief.
Philosophical lens – asking important questions, thinking critically and reflecting on meaning, truth, choices and the purpose of life.
Social and human sciences lens – considering how faith is lived by individuals and communities, and how religious beliefs influence cultures, relationships and the wider world.

Through these branches and lenses, Religious Education becomes an opportunity to know more, wonder more and live faith actively each day.

Discerning Disciples RE Curriculum

At St Francis’ Catholic Primary School, we follow the Discerning Disciples Religious Education curriculum. Rooted in the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church, this curriculum helps children grow in their knowledge, faith, understanding and relationship with God.

Through engaging lessons, prayer, liturgy and reflection, pupils are encouraged to become thoughtful, compassionate and faithful disciples of Jesus. Children learn about Scripture, the sacraments, the life of the Church and the rich traditions of the Catholic faith while developing the skills to think deeply, ask questions and reflect on their own beliefs and experiences.

Our RE Curriculum Helps Children To:

Know and understand the Catholic faith.
Encounter Jesus through Scripture, prayer and worship.
Develop values such as kindness, respect, forgiveness and compassion.
Reflect on important questions about life, faith and the world around them.
Recognise God's presence in their daily lives.
Respect and learn about other faiths and worldviews.

Learning Through Three Key Areas

Children are invited to:

Hear the Word
Learning about God's message through the Bible and Church teaching.

Celebrate the Word
Taking part in prayer, liturgy and the sacramental life of the Church.

Live the Word
Putting faith into action through service, care for others and living as disciples of Christ.

Our Vision

We want every child to grow as a confident, caring and faith-filled person who understands that they are loved by God and called to share that love with others.

"Go and make disciples of all nations." (Matthew 28:19)

Through the Discerning Disciples curriculum, we nurture children to know, love and follow Jesus in their everyday lives.

At St Francis', we use the Discerning Disciples which has been created by the Birmingham Archdiocese.