Religious Education
"Let us thank all those who teach in Catholic schools. Educating is an act of love; it is like giving life." - Pope Francis
New Religious Education Curriculum:
"To Know You More Clearly"
As of September 2025, Early Years, KS1 and KS2 follow the Catholic Education Service's updated Religious Education Directory (RED), titled To Know You More Clearly. This curriculum is designed to deepen our children's understanding of the Catholic faith and its relevance in daily life.
What Is "To Know You More Clearly"?
This curriculum introduces a structured approach to RE, focusing on six key themes, or "branches," that guide students through their spiritual journey following the Liturgical Year. Each branch is explored over a half-term, with a focus on Scripture and its application in life.
The Six Branches:
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Creation and Covenant
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Prophecy and Promise
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Galilee to Jerusalem
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Desert to Garden
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To the Ends of the Earth
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Dialogue and Encounter
These branches are designed to help students learn knowledge though four lenses:
hear, 
believe, 
celebrate, and 
live out the Gospel message.
How Will Children Learn?
The curriculum emphasises three key "ways of knowing":
Understand: Deep comprehension of sacred texts, religious beliefs, and sacred rites, and the lives of individuals and communities who are shaped by these.
Discern: Helping the pupils to judge wisely in response to different interpretations of the meaning, significance and implications of what they have understood, and ways of life so they can arrive at justified conclusions about what is true, what is good and what is beautiful.
Respond: Personal reflection with integrity on what has been learned and consider the implications for action in daily life and the world in which they live.
These approaches aim to develop students who are not only knowledgeable but also thoughtful and compassionate in their faith.
They also reflect our school mission statement: With Jesus we Live, Love and Learn.
What Does This Mean for Your Child?
Your child will engage with the new curriculum, exploring each branch through age-appropriate lessons and activities. This will include:
This approach ensures that RE is not just a subject but a lived experience that permeates all aspects of school life.
How Can You Support at Home?
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Scripture-based learning: Starting each unit with a focus on relevant Bible passages.
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Interactive activities: Discussions, reflections, and projects that encourage personal connection to the material.
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Integration with other subjects: Applying Catholic teachings across the curriculum to foster a holistic understanding.
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Engage in discussions: Ask your child about what they've learned in RE and share your own thoughts and experiences.
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Participate in school events: Attend Masses, assemblies, and other activities that highlight the Catholic faith.
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Encourage reflection: Support your child in thinking about how their learning applies to their daily actions and decisions.
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Support our weekly RE homework: Children will have a piece of RE homework weekly which encourages thinking, talking and sharing prayers with their family.
Religious Education and Prayer and Liturgy (Collective Worship) form an integral part of everyday life at St Teresa’s but we work in keeping with CES guidance on ‘The Right to Withdraw from RE and Collective Worship"
