St James's Approach

►St James is a Catholic School in which each individual grows in the Knowledge and love of Christ. 

In partnership with parents and the whole community, our purpose is to provide a high standard of education, giving the maximum opportunity to realise each person’s potential.

Religion at the core of our Curriculum

As a Catholic school, Religion is seen as the core of the core curriculum. We believe religious education is not limited to Religion lessons, but permeates everything that we do. 

Religion is one of the core subjects alongside English, maths and science. 

► At St James’s, we have developed our ‘Put Out into the Deep’ curriculum following the RE Curriculum Directory, RCDOW composite models and other appropriate sources.

The curriculum is aligned with the Church’s Liturgical Year, and enhanced with additional topics such as learning about St James and our school mission statement.

Religious Education at St James’s allows the children to learn about, and from Religion. Throughout the curriculum the children are encouraged to reflect on their faith, and how their life is influenced by faith. We offer the children opportunities to reflect, pray and discuss their faith.

► ‘The outcome of excellent Religious Education is religiously literate and engaged young people who have the knowledge, understanding and skills – appropriate to their age and capacity – to reflect spiritually, and think ethically and theologically, and who are aware of the demands of religious commitment in everyday life.’

(RE Curriculum Directory p.6)

The children experience the revelation of each topic explored in more detail through looking at scripture readings in the Bible and responding by sharing in worships and liturgies linked to the topic.  Throughout the school the children are taught about other faiths and there is a whole school focus on Judaism.

Religion lessons at St James's are engaging and creative. Teachers plan a variety of lessons including drama, art, group work and discussion to support children as they develop their understanding of Religion, and their learning from Religion. 

RE Curriculum Directory

Curriculum Outline

How is Religion Assessed? 

Religion is assessed using the Age Related Standards Document. These are outlined as concepts on the concept cards in each child's book. When a Concept is not achieved, the teacher will highlight the concept. When concepts are  not achieved, review tasks and teacher support are put in place to address any misconceptions.

► Children are assessed throughout the year in line with other core subjects. Teacher use their knowledge of each child, work in books and understanding shown in lessons to assess if a child is working at the expected standard for their age.