Advent 1 – Branch 1: Creation and Covenant
During our Creation and Covenant topic the children will retell the story of Moses, focusing on the two key events of the call and the covenant (the Burning Bush (Ex 3:1-15); the Sinai covenant and the Ten Commandments (Ex 19:3-8, 20:1-17)). We will also make links between the Ten Commandments and Jesus’ summary of the law in Matthew’s Gospel (22:36-40), use developing specialist vocabulary to describe what a covenant is, recognising that God made several covenants throughout history and show how the Ten Commandments help human beings live good and happy lives. Towards the end of unit, we will use developing specialist vocabulary to describe sin as deliberately spoiling our friendship with God and each other and know that a virtue is a positive habit that helps people live a good life.
For more information on our learning during this topic, please take a look at our knowledge organiser:
Advent 2 – Branch 2: Prophecy and Promise
During our Prophecy and Promise topic the children will explore a range of scripture passages that speak of David’s life, recognising the intended audience and the historical context. We will also look at Gospel passages that present Jesus as the fulfilment of the promise to David (Matt 1:1-17; Lk 1:32-33), recognising that Gospel writers are writing for Christians. As the topic progresses we will describe and explain the nature of David’s kingship in the Old Testament, recognise that David is a model of prayer and also learn that the Rosary is a prayerful reflection on the life of Christ and explain what the joyful mysteries remember.
For more information on our learning during this topic, please take a look at our knowledge organiser:
Lent 1 – Branch 3: Galilee to Jerusalem
This term in RE, we will explore Jesus’ teachings about how to live a truly blessed and loving life. We’ll begin by learning about the Beatitudes and how they link to the Ten Commandments, showing us the values God wants us to follow. We will compare how St Matthew and St Luke describe the “new law” and the greatest commandment, helping us understand Jesus’ message to love God and love our neighbour. We will look closely at the parable of the Good Samaritan as an example of this love in action. We’ll also learn about the Transfiguration, when Jesus revealed his divine glory to three disciples, and explore different artistic representations of this important moment. In addition, we will reflect on the Our Father prayer—Jesus’ perfect prayer containing seven petitions—and discover how the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love help Christians live out the Beatitudes in their daily lives.
For more information on our learning during this topic, please take a look at our knowledge organiser:
Lent 2 – Branch 4: Desert to Garden
In our Branch 4 Desert to Garden topic, pupils will learn how Christians begin Lent by celebrating Ash Wednesday, using religious words to describe what happens at Mass and how the ashes remind believers to make a fresh start. They will explore how the Scripture readings on this day guide Christians to pray, give to others, and try to live more lovingly throughout Lent. This branch will help students understand how Catholics define sin and how the Ten Commandments and Jesus’ great commandment show people how to live a good life. We will also think about how examining their conscience can help them recognise when their choices have hurt themselves or others, and how they can change for the better. We are also introduced to Catholic beliefs about death, judgement, heaven, and hell, and we learn how St Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians teach that Jesus’ Resurrection opens the way to eternal life.
