RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

At St Mary’s we follow the Religious Education Scheme as set out by the Archdiocese of Liverpool.  It is called COME AND SEE. 

It follows the theological foundations of the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Catechism and the revised RE Curriculum Directory and includes the Catholic attainment levels.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church addresses the search for meaning in life. God’s initiative in Revelation who comes to meet us and our response of faith. (cf. CCC26) This pattern guides the structure of the programme and informs the process of each topic, opened up through - Explore, Reveal and Respond.

As well as the class topics, each year group will teach two other faiths at different stages and these will also be run on a two year cycle.  The faiths will  be selected from: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism or Sikhism. 

Throughout the children's topics, the teachers will provide opportunities for the children to use the outdoor learning facilities and the world around them to deepen their learning. 

Further information including policies and curriculum details can be found below. 

RELATIONSHIPS, SEX AND HEALTH EDUCATION (RSHE)

At St Mary's, we want children to grow up healthy, happy, safe and able to manage the challenges and opportunities of modern Britain. From September 2020, RSHE will be a statutory part of the curriculum for all pupils. At St Mary's, RSHE will be taught in an age-appropriate way and in line with Catholic teachings. More information about RSHE can be found in the documents below including the school's policy and curriculum coverage details. Parents do not have the right to withdraw children from relationship or health education, however, may withdraw their child from sex education, which is taught is Y5/6 year B. Please put any requests to withdraw your child from sex education in writing to the head teacher. If you would like any further information regarding RSHE, please contact Miss Webb.

At St. Mary's, we will be teaching the program 'A Journey in Love' as requested by the Archdiocese as part of RSHE.  Below is all the information parents will need.  A letter will be sent out at the beginning of the new school year and parents will be directed to the website.   

A Journey in Love is a resource created by Sister Jude Groden of BRES.  It is the recommended programme of study for Catholic schools for Relationship and Sex Education, and has been written as a progressive scheme of work that supports the Religious Education, PSHE and Science curricula taught within the school. 

As children progress through school, they discover more and more about themselves and the wider world.  This thirst for learning new things in all aspects of life is fostered by the school, who attempt to create a safe, stimulating environment for learning; supporting all children in their development.  Our mission statement which drives the school, attempts to achieve this goal following the Gospel values of truth and respect, understanding our journey as children of God, both special and unique.

Central to our work within the school is learning about our faith, including understanding ourselves, our position in our community and how we develop as human beings - our spiritual, social, emotional and physical development.  This is how A Journey in Love fits in to the school’s curriculum.  The scheme permeates through all levels of learning throughout the school.  It focuses on friendship, family, community, relationships and spirituality; a guide to the children’s development as young Catholics.

As you would expect, not all issues related to personal development are covered by the end of Year 6.  The content is age appropriate and is taught with sensitivity, taking into account the children’s level of maturity in regard to the delivery of the lessons.

As with all aspects of learning, children are naturally curious and many will have questions related to their lessons.  Opportunities to discuss questions form part of the lessons and, again, these are treated with care and understanding.