Religious Education

At Star of the Sea, Christ is always at the centre of our children's education. Throughout the school day, Gospel values are lived and promoted as an integral part of school life. Religious Education is a core subject and is highly valued within our curriculum.

In line with the requirements of the Bishops' Conference, 10% of curriculum time is devoted to Religious Education. At Star of the Sea, Religious Education is taught through three dedicated 45-minute lessons each week, ensuring that children have regular opportunities to deepen their knowledge, understanding and relationship with God.

Our Religious Education curriculum is delivered through The Way, the Religious Education programme approved and followed by schools within the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. The Way supports children in growing in faith, developing religious literacy, and understanding how the teachings of Jesus Christ shape their lives and the world around them.

The curriculum is structured around six branches of learning:

• Creation and Covenant

• Prophecy and Promise

• Galilee to Jerusalem

• Desert to Garden

• To the Ends of the Earth

• Dialogue and Encounter

Through these branches, pupils encounter Scripture, Catholic Tradition, prayer and worship, enabling them to explore God's loving relationship with humanity throughout salvation history.

The branch Dialogue and Encounter provides opportunities for pupils to engage with different worldviews and faith traditions, helping them to develop respect, understanding and appreciation of diversity. This learning deepens pupils' understanding of their own faith and the call to live in harmony with others.

At the heart of The Way is the belief that every child is called to know, love and follow Jesus Christ. Through engaging, thought-provoking and faith-filled learning experiences, children are encouraged to grow spiritually, morally and academically as they deepen their understanding of God's message of love.

The Way: To Know You More Clearly

Inspired by the prayer of St Richard of Chichester, "to see you more clearly, love you more dearly and follow you more nearly", The Way invites children on a journey of faith and discovery. Through Scripture, reflection, discussion and prayer, pupils are supported in coming to know Jesus more clearly, understand His teachings more deeply and recognise His presence in their own lives. This journey helps children grow as disciples, living out the Gospel values that are at the heart of our Star of the Sea community.

Further Information

As we continue to embed The Way across our school, a new Religious Education Policy is being developed to reflect our curriculum, vision and practice. This will further support our commitment to helping every child grow in faith, deepen their understanding of Jesus Christ and live out the Gospel values that are at the heart of our Star of the Sea community.