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Religious Education – Lighting the Path
At St Bernard's RC Primary School, Religious Education is at the very heart of everything we do.
It is much more than a subject.
It is an invitation to encounter Christ, to grow in faith and to discover the unique person God is calling each child to become.
Our Religious Education curriculum follows the Lighting the Path programme developed by the Diocese of Salford. Through this rich and carefully sequenced curriculum, children deepen their knowledge of Scripture, Catholic teaching and the life of the Church while developing the confidence to ask life's biggest questions.
Every lesson is an opportunity to discover more about God, more about the world and more about ourselves.
Intent
Our intention is to nurture children who know that they are deeply loved by God and who understand that faith is something to be lived as well as learned.
We believe that Religious Education should inspire curiosity, wonder and hope. It should encourage children to think deeply, ask meaningful questions and reflect upon the purpose of their lives and the responsibility they have towards others.
Through Lighting the Path, children encounter the story of God's love throughout salvation history and come to understand how that story continues in their own lives today.
Religious Education is rooted in our mission of Believe. Grow. Succeed.
We want every child to:
- believe in God's unconditional love for them
- grow in faith, knowledge, wisdom and compassion
- succeed in becoming the person God created them to be.
Our Religious Education curriculum is closely connected with Catholic Social Teaching, helping children understand that faith calls us to action. As they learn about the Gospel, children are encouraged to recognise the dignity of every person, care for God's creation, stand alongside those in need and work for justice and peace within their communities.
Ultimately, our aim is not simply that children know about Jesus.
Our aim is that they come to know Jesus.
Implementation
Our Religious Education curriculum is delivered through the Lighting the Path programme, providing children with a coherent and progressive understanding of Catholic belief, Scripture, prayer, worship and the traditions of the Church.
Lessons are carefully planned to encourage discussion, reflection, questioning and personal response. Children are given opportunities not only to acquire knowledge but also to consider how their learning influences the way they live, the choices they make and the relationships they build.
Scripture lies at the heart of every unit. Children encounter God's Word through stories, parables, prayers and the life of Jesus, developing an increasingly deep understanding of God's message of love, hope and salvation.
Religious Education extends far beyond timetabled lessons. Prayer, worship and faith are woven naturally throughout each day. Children participate in classroom prayer, whole-school worship, liturgical celebrations, Masses, sacramental preparation, seasonal liturgies and opportunities for quiet reflection, helping them experience faith as a lived reality.
Our curriculum is enriched through the work of our Faith Team, parish partnerships, charitable outreach and opportunities to live out Catholic Social Teaching through service to others. Children learn that faith is expressed through action as well as words.
Across the curriculum, children are encouraged to make meaningful connections between Religious Education and everyday life. Themes such as compassion, forgiveness, justice, stewardship, reconciliation, courage and hope are explored across subjects, helping children understand that the Gospel shapes every aspect of who we are.
Respect for other faiths and beliefs is an important part of our curriculum. Children learn about the richness and diversity of the wider world, developing understanding, appreciation and respect while remaining confident in their own Catholic identity.
Impact
The impact of Religious Education can be seen throughout the life of our school.
Children know that they are loved by God and understand that every person is created in His image and likeness. This belief shapes the way they treat others, the choices they make and the way they contribute to our school community.
Children develop secure knowledge of Scripture, Catholic beliefs and traditions while becoming increasingly confident in discussing faith with maturity, curiosity and respect. They ask thoughtful questions, reflect deeply and recognise that faith is a lifelong journey of discovery.
Children understand that the Gospel calls them to action. They demonstrate compassion, forgiveness, generosity and service through their relationships, leadership opportunities and care for those around them.
Our children develop a strong sense of hope and purpose. They recognise that every person has unique gifts to offer and that they have the ability to make a positive difference in their families, school, parish and wider world.
Most importantly, children leave St Bernard's with more than knowledge of religion.
They leave with faith that gives them hope.
They leave with values that guide their choices.
They leave with hearts that seek justice.
They leave with lives shaped by love.
They understand that following Christ is not simply about learning lessons.
It is about walking a path.
A path illuminated by faith.
A path illuminated by hope.
A path illuminated by love.
That is Lighting the Path.
That is the heart of Catholic education at St Bernard's.
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12
This is how we continue becoming the school God wants us to be.
