Intent

At St Edmund’s, Religious Education (RE) helps pupils explore the relationship between faith and life through a curriculum rooted in our Mission Statement and guided by the Arundel and Brighton Education team. 

At St Edmund's, we aim to ensure that our pupils know and understand that Christ is at the centre of all that we do and to assist parents in their primary role as educators of their children. Through Religious Education, we support our pupils to understand the teachings of the Church at the centre of our school life. Pupils are encouraged to contribute to the Catholic life and mission of the school.

We are currently transitioning to the new Religious Education Directory (RED) curriculum, “To Know You More Clearly.” By the end of 2025, all year groups will adopt this curriculum, which is structured into six thematic branches, each spanning half a term: 

• Autumn 1: Creation and Covenant 

• Autumn 2: Prophecy and Promise 

• Spring 1: Galilee to Jerusalem 

• Spring 2 : Desert to Garden 

• Summer 1: To the Ends of the Earth 

• Summer 2: Dialogue and Encounter 

Implementation

The RED curriculum focuses on knowledge lenses that outline expected learning outcomes, divided into four components: hear, believe, live, and celebrate. It also emphasises skill development through "ways of knowing" (understand, discern, and respond), ensuring students gain knowledge and practical application across age phases. 

Currently, EYFS, Years 1, 2, 5, and 6 follow the RED curriculum, while Years 3 and 4 will transition from the “Come and See” program to RED by September 2025. The “Come and See” curriculum emphasises themes of Church, Sacrament, and Christian Living, exploring these topics through the steps: Explore, Reveal, and Respond. 

Impact

Faith and Community at the Core 

RE at St Edmund’s is central to our Catholic identity, fostering a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and other beliefs. We collaborate closely with families, our parish community, and organisations such as Wintershall, CAFOD, the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton and the Xavier Catholic Education Trust to enrich learning and scripture study. 

We also integrate personal and social education through the “Life to the Full Plus” program, ensuring Relationships and Sex Education align with Christian values. Prayer, liturgy, and child-led worship sessions further enhance spiritual growth, supported by weekly Ethos Statements that encourage living faith in daily life. 

Children in Year 4 are invited to prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion through our parish partnership. Additionally, school assemblies, charitable initiatives, and community engagement promote good citizenship, empathy, and an understanding of our changing world. 

At St Edmund’s, we strive to nurture confident, compassionate individuals who embody the values of love, care, and faith in their journey through school and beyond.