Learning & Growing as the People of God

The schools of the Archdiocese of Birmingham use the Diocese’s own curriculum strategy from Foundation (Nursery) to Year 6 called ‘Learning & Growing as the People of God.’ (often referred to as the Strategy). The Strategy was written using the Learning Outcomes provided in the Bishops’ Conference document the Curriculum Directory as a basis. Rather than produce a lesson by lesson scheme of work the Strategy provides teachers with a range of suggested cross-curricula activities which they can use and adapt to suit the needs of the learners in their class in order that their children achieve the learning outcomes. This flexibility also allows teachers to incorporate their own ideas, creativity and imagination into the delivery of the Strategy.

The Strategy is divided into a number of units, usually 12, which cover four main areas of study. It is through the construction of a spiral curriculum that children’s knowledge and understanding is developed. The children learn about the Liturgical Seasons of the Church’s year. They find out about the significance of each season, its particular signs and symbols and the different liturgies celebrated in each season. The children also study both Old Testament and New Testament Scripture in order to give them familiarity and knowledge of Scripture as well as allowing them to explore and understand how our Catholic beliefs are rooted in what Scripture reveals to us. There is a strong Sacramental focus in each year group. In particular the content of the Y3 and Y6 books fully prepares the children to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist in Y3 and Confirmation in Y6. As part of the strategy the children learn about what it is to live as Christians today, how the Church is organised from global to parish level and also the opportunities which exist for them to participate in the life of the Church.

A key element to each unit is the opportunity to link the learning with opportunities for prayer and reflection.

Within the topics there are opportunities for exploring and appreciating aspects of other faiths. We encourage links with other faiths and cultures whenever we can to broaden children’s understanding.

Fr Pat our parish priest regularly visits our school. All year groups celebrate Class Masses and have the opportunity to led a Whole School Mass throughout the course of the year. Years 4, 5 and 6 go to confession in the Church on a termly basis.

We enjoy weekly assemblies where we come together to celebrate our successes in learning.

2022-2023 Long term plan of units covered in each year group.

Prayers children should know

Year 3 parents and children working together at our Reconciliation workshop.

Advent Assembly 2022

Whole School Policy for the Teaching of Religion