At St Francis Xavier, 10% of our taught curriculum time is devoted to the teaching of RE, two hours and twenty-five minutes per week. Our curriculum is based upon the 'Come and See' scheme of work, a progressive curriculum for religious education from Nursery through to year 6 which teachers then develop and enhance to provide our pupils with a rich, rigorous education in the Catholic faith and in other faiths. Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education.
Our RE lessons feel special. Lessons will begin with an act of gathering, for example the lighting of a candle, the playing of reflective music, song, or reflection upon thought provoking artwork or scripture. Teachers apply high quality pedagogy in order to ensure that every child can master the objectives of the curriculum and develop deep, long-lasting learning. Teachers break down content through models and explanations, guide student practice and application of knowledge, set high quality independent tasks, systematically check pupil understanding and provide feedback. Pupils receive robust instruction in the foundational knowledge of the Catholic Faith and are then given the opportunity to reflect upon how religious teachings are applicable in their own lives and will shape their future actions.
Central to the programme are three basic human questions and the three Christian beliefs that are the Church’s response in faith:
Where do I come from? Life – Creation
Who am I? Dignity – Incarnation
Why am I here? Purpose – Redemption, within the Catholic tradition