Intent
Religious Education at St Bonaventures is more than just a subject; it is a journey of discovery, exploration, and growth. We believe it is the cornerstone of a well-rounded education that helps children become not only knowledgeable but also kind, compassionate, and responsible citizens of the world. At St Bonaventure's School, Religious Education (RE) is central to the entire school experience, not just a subject on the timetable. We believe that through RE, we nurture the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental, and physical growth of our pupils. Our aim is to:
- Foster a deep awareness of God's presence in their lives. We want children to understand how their faith informs their actions, decisions, and relationships with others.
- Equip them with the knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith. This includes exploring scripture, traditions, rituals, and teachings, enabling them to live meaningfully as responsible Catholics.
- Develop a caring, Christian attitude towards others. We encourage empathy, forgiveness, compassion, and service, encouraging children to act as Jesus did in their daily lives.
- Promote respect and understanding for other faiths and beliefs. We believe in intercultural awareness and dialogue.
- Develop critical thinking and questioning skills. We create a safe space for children to explore their own beliefs and ask questions about faith and religion in a respectful and thoughtful manner.
- Connect faith to lived experience. Through real-life application and reflection, children see how their faith can be a guiding force in their choices and actions.
Implementation
RE is taught for a minimum of 10% of the timetable
Where possible, the whole curriculum presents a values led approach to learning to support children in understanding more about the world through the lens of Christianity.
Our three gospel themes Love thy Neighbour, Seek the Truth and Care for our Common Home form the basis of the organisation of our whole curriculum which supports pupils in making meaningful links between their learning and their potential for making a positive impact in the world.
The RE curriculum in years 1 - 6 is based on the God Matters scheme of work and supplementary materials which provides children with the basis of knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith.
The RE curriculum enables children to continually deepen their religious and theological understanding and be able to communicate this effectively.
The RE curriculum broadly follows the churches liturgical year and each unit is taught through ‘big questions’ which lead the learning journey and encourage pupils to be curious and engaged in the journey through the learning.
Within the planning and structure of RE lessons, pupils are given the opportunity to ‘explore’ the learning through oracy/ drama activities which supports pupil engagement for all abilities.
Another faith is taught each year through an in depth study. Wherever possible visits are arranged to the relevant place of worship or a visitor invited into school to share their faith and beliefs with the pupils.
Pupils in years 1-6 are assessed against a ‘pupil profile’ for AT1 (learning about religion), AT2 (learning from religion) and in key stage 2 AT 3 (analyse and evaluate) . These assessments take place three times per year during assessment cycles and a further end of year level is awarded to each child.
The Ten: Ten “ Life to the Full”scheme is the basis of our RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) in all year groups.
Catholic Social Teaching is taught throughout the school using CARITAS resources.
Impact
Through the teaching of RE and the wider curriculum as well as the experiences our children are exposed through their faith awards and the Catholic Life of our school, children will feel able to make connections between their own lives and the lives of those in our local community and in the wider world. Children will understand how to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Children will also develop an understanding about other cultures, faiths and the importance and dignity of human life.
As part of our learning journey, we aim to be evaluative and regularly review our practice. At St. Bonaventure's School we have a robust Monitoring Cycle for RE teaching and learning that includes ensuring that our provision for those who have Special Educational Needs and those who are disadvantaged is well suited to their needs and enables them to experience a wide range of learning opportunities.
We believe the real impact of our curriculum comes through in the character and enthusiasm of our pupils: Their love for learning, curiosity, willingness to take chances and know more, and their sense of responsibility for themselves, others and the world around them. We are certain the world needs such young people who believe in God and in their own worth, who are able to walk out in confidence into the future, able to make a positive impact on those they meet and in the wider world.