Religious Education Autumn Term 1 2026 Our topic this half term is Branch 1, ‘ Creation and Covenant’. This half term our RE learning across the school focuses on “Creation and Covenant.” Children are exploring the very beginning of God’s plan for his people – from the wonder of Creation to the first great promises (covenants) God made with Noah, Abraham and Moses. Across the year groups, pupils are coming to see that everything in the world is a gift from God and that each person is created and loved by Him. Younger children hear and retell the Creation stories and learn that we are all called to care for one another and for the earth. As they move through the school they meet key figures of faith— Abraham and Sarah, Moses and the people of Israel—and discover how God’s covenants reveal his faithful love and call his people into relationship with Him. Older pupils reflect on how these ancient promises point towards the new covenant in Jesus and what this means for our lives today. From the beauty of the created world to God’s ongoing call to live in love and stewardship, the theme of Creation and Covenant invites the whole school to wonder, to give thanks and to respond to God’s love in action.
Nursery During the Creation and Covenant branch, the children will hear stories from the Bible and will learn that it is a very special book that tells about God’s love. They will explore the story of Creation, hearing that God made the wonderful world and everything in it. They will begin to understand that God made them, too and that He loves everyone always. They will give thanks to God for the gift of the world and will talk about how they can help to care for it. The children will begin to learn the celebration of prayer, being introduced to the words and actions of the Sign of the Cross: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” They will begin to understand that prayer is a time for stillness—talking to God and being with Him—and will begin to learn simple class prayers for the morning, before lunch and at the end of the day.
Reception In Reception, children will explore the Christian belief that God created the whole world and everything in it and that everything God creates is good. They will hear the Genesis story where God looks at creation and says, “Indeed it is very good,” and will learn that the beauty of the earth shows God’s love for all people. They will learn that God made every person unique and loves each one of us personally. Children will explore how they can care for themselves, their families, other people and the whole of God’s world, linking their actions to Catholic Social Teaching on stewardship and the dignity of every human person. They will learn that through baptism we become part of God’s family, the Church, and that God invites everyone into this family. As part of their prayer life, they will practise the words and actions of the Sign of the Cross, using this simple prayer to give thanks and celebrate God’s love.
YEAR 1 In Year 1, children will explore the Christian belief that God created everything and that all things come from Him. They will learn the Creation story from Genesis as a prayerful, poetic reflection and will talk about how God’s gift of Creation can be expressed through art, music and poetry. They will explore how people can sense God’s presence through the awe and wonder of the natural world and will learn that God’s love and care are shown in the beauty and order of Creation. They will learn the opening words of the Nicene Creed, understanding that the Church teaches that God, our Father, made heaven and earth. They will explore prayer as a way of drawing close to God and will learn and reflect on the words of the Our Father. They will also explore the Church’s teaching on stewardship, recognising our responsibility to care for the world and its people, and will learn about Pope Francis’ letter Laudato Si’, which calls everyone to look after our common home.
YEAR 2 In Year 2, children will explore the story of Noah and will learn that God made a covenant, or promise, with Noah and all living creatures, shown in the sign of the rainbow. They will learn that the people in the story turned away from God and that this is called sin, and will reflect on how their own actions can help or harm their friendship with God. They will explore the psalms as prayers of praise, especially Psalm 139, recognising them as a special way of expressing wonder at God’s creation and love. They will learn about stewardship and will explore how everyone is called to care for God’s world and for each other, responding with their own ideas for action in their community. They will be introduced to the seven sacraments as living signs of Jesus’ love and will learn about the sacrament of Baptism in more detail, understanding how a baby is welcomed into the Christian family and the meaning of the symbols used. Finally, they will learn that the Bible is divided into two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Religious Education Autumn Term 1 2026
Year 3 -
In Year 3, children will explore the first Creation story in Genesis, recognising its poetic language and the idea of a holy day set apart for God. They will learn that the Church teaches Creation is the work of the Holy Trinity and that God created the universe out of free and unselfish love. They will explore psalms and prayers of praise such as Psalm 8 or 19 and St Francis’s Canticle of the Creatures, and will reflect on ways to give thanks for the blessings of Creation. They will learn that human beings are made in the image of God (Imago Dei) and will explore what this means for the dignity and equality of all people. They will make links between the Creation story and the Catholic Social Teaching principle of human dignity, considering how everyone should be treated equally. They will explore stewardship, making connections between Genesis and Pope Francis’ teaching in Laudato Si’ about caring for the earth as part of our care for each other, and will imagine how caring for the world could make a difference. Finally, they will learn from Laudato Si’ that human beings are called to a loving relationship with God, with each other and with the world.
Year 4 In Year 4, children will explore the story of Abraham and the beginnings of God’s covenant with his people. They will learn about the historical, cultural and religious background of Abraham’s call and will hear the key stories of his journey of faith, including the promises God made to him, the visit of the three strangers to Abraham and Sarah, and the testing of Abraham when he offers Isaac. They will learn that God’s covenant with Abraham is the foundation of the faith shared by Judaism and Christianity. They will explore the theological virtues of faith, hope and love, discovering how Abraham’s decisions were shaped by these virtues and how Christians today are drawn into a closer relationship with the Holy Trinity by living them out. They will reflect on prayers that show trust in God and will learn why Abraham is seen as a model of prayer. They will also consider the life of someone whose faith was made active in love, such as Cardinal Manning during the London dockworkers’ strike, and will think about how faith, hope and love can transform their own lives and communities. Optionally, they may also learn the story of Joseph and reflect on how his faith helped him through times of challenge and blessing.
Year 5 In Year 5, children will explore the story of Moses, focusing on his encounter with God in the Burning Bush and the giving of the covenant at Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments. They will learn that a covenant is a binding agreement between God and his people and will explore how the Ten Commandments guide human beings to live good and happy lives. They will reflect on the meaning of each commandment and consider questions about how these laws help people to love God and one another. They will learn how Jesus sums up the Old Covenant in the New Law, teaching that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love others. They will explore how this love is shown through actions, such as doing small things with great love, and will reflect on what truly brings happiness. They will learn that God made several covenants through history – with Noah, Abraham, Moses and David – and will explore how Catholic Social Teaching calls Christians to love their neighbour and to work for social change and the common good. Finally, they will learn about virtues as positive habits that help people live a good life, exploring both the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance and the theological virtues of faith, hope and love, and will reflect on how they can grow in virtue in their own lives.
Year 6 IIn Year 6, children will explore the second Creation story from Genesis and will learn about the Fall and the Christian belief in original sin. They will understand that the world is no longer as perfect as it was in the beginning because human beings choose to turn away from God, and they will reflect on how this affects people and the environment today. They will explore how sin damages relationships with God, with others and with creation, linking this to Pope Francis’ teaching in Laudato Si’ on stewardship and care for the earth. They will learn that in Jesus a new covenant is made and through him the relationship between humanity and God can be restored, making links with John’s Prologue (“In the beginning was the Word”) and the Nicene Creed. They will explore the sacrament of Baptism as the first sacrament of forgiveness, uniting Christians with Christ and giving new life through the Holy Spirit. They will also consider the relationship between faith and science, learning that the Genesis accounts are not scientific descriptions but express deep truths about God and creation, and that belief in God as Creator is compatible with scientific understanding of the universe and evolution.
Religious Education Autumn 2 2026 In the second half of term, our RE learning moves into “Prophecy and Promise,” a theme that draws us into the season of Advent and the story of God’s unfolding plan for salvation. Across the school, the children are hearing the voices of the prophets and the Gospel accounts that prepare the way for the birth of Jesus. Younger pupils listen to the stories of the Annunciation and the Nativity, learning how Mary said “Yes” to God and how the shepherds hurried to greet the newborn Christ. As they progress through the school, pupils meet the great prophets—Isaiah, Elijah and John the Baptist—who announced the coming of the Messiah and called people to turn back to God. They explore the symbols and prayers of Advent, from the Jesse Tree and the O Antiphons to the Magnificat, discovering how Christians still watch and wait for Christ’s coming. Older pupils reflect on how these ancient prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus and how Mary stands as the first believer and Mother of God. Through scripture, prayer and tradition, Prophecy and Promise invites the whole school to prepare our hearts for Christmas and to recognise God’s faithful love at work in every generation.
Nursery In Prophecy and Promise the children will hear, through the Gospel of Luke, that Mary was going to have a baby who would be called Jesus. They will listen to the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, and will hear how the shepherds hurried to see Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. They will experience the season of Advent as a time of waiting and getting ready for the birth of Jesus. The children will help to create an Advent wreath and will learn about the tradition of the crib, preparing a soft place for the baby Jesus. They will begin to understand that God shows His love by sending His Son, Jesus, to live with us. They will learn that Jesus is God’s special gift of love for everyone. The children will continue to learn the words and actions of the Sign of the Cross and will come to see that prayer is a time for stillness— talking to God and being with Him.
Reception In Reception, children will explore the stories of the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus. They will hear how the angel told Mary she would have a baby and that his name would be Jesus, and will learn that Mary was chosen by God to give birth to his Son. They will hear the Nativity story, learning that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, laid in a manger and visited by shepherds who were guided by angels. They will celebrate the traditions of Advent and Christmas, learning about the Advent wreath and the crib as ways of preparing for and remembering Jesus’ birth. They will also explore how different cultures celebrate Jesus’ birthday and will learn that by helping others during Advent we show our love for God. They will begin to understand that everyone has the right to work safely and that all work has dignity because God loves all people.
YEAR 1 In Year 1, children will explore the stories of the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity and the visit of the shepherds, learning that these are found in the special book of the Bible. They will learn that in the Annunciation Mary said “Yes” to God’s call and why she is important for Christians. They will hear how Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth and will begin to join in with the words of the Hail Mary, recognising its link to the angel’s greeting. They will learn that the Christmas story shows God’s love in sending his Son, Jesus, and will explore artistic representations of the nativity from around the world. They will hear the angels’ song of praise, the Gloria, and will talk about why the shepherds saw angels when Jesus was born. They will learn that angels bring God’s message and are a sign that Jesus is the Son of God, and will explore how Catholics across the world show honour to Mary. Finally, they will find out how Christians in their local community celebrate the birth of Jesus.
YEAR 2 In Year 2, children will explore the key Advent and Christmas stories from the Gospels and the prophets. They will hear the accounts of the angel’s message to Zechariah and to Mary, and will learn how both John the Baptist and Jesus were announced by the Holy Spirit. They will retell the births of John the Baptist and Jesus and will learn that a prophet communicates God’s message, recognising both John and Isaiah as prophets. They will hear Mary’s prayer, the Magnificat, and will talk about how they can help make the world fairer, especially during Advent. They will listen to Isaiah’s prophecies about the coming of the Messiah and will understand that Christians see Jesus as the light in the darkness and Immanuel, ‘God with us’. They will explore how Christians prepare for the coming of Jesus in Advent, including through the use of the Advent wreath and through traditions from different cultures. Finally, they will reflect on Mary as the mother of God and a model of prayer who prays with and for them.
Religious Education Autumn Term 2 2026
Year 3 In Year 3, children will explore why Sunday is a holy day for Christians, linking the Creation story to the idea of Sunday as a day of rest and celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection. They will learn how Catholics celebrate Mass, discovering the prayers, signs and actions used, and will focus on the Liturgy of the Word, hearing readings from both the Old and New Testaments. They will revisit the Annunciation and recall how angels bring God’s message, and will learn how Joseph trusted in God when the angel appeared to him, opening his heart to the Holy Spirit. They will make links between the angel’s message about Jesus and the prophecies of Isaiah that foretold the coming of the Messiah, and will explore how art around the world represents these prophecies. Finally, they will learn how Christians prepare for the coming of Christ during Advent and how Advent hymns celebrate Jesus as the promised Messiah.
Year 4 In Year 4, children will explore the prophets and their message of hope and preparation for the coming of Jesus. They will learn about Elijah, hearing the miracle of the flour and the oil and his encounter with God, and will reflect on how his words still speak to people today. They will compare Matthew and Mark’s accounts of John the Baptist and understand that he was sent to prepare the way for Jesus, linking his preaching with the words of the prophet Isaiah. They will explore the role of prophets in awakening expectation of the Messiah and will learn how Advent is a time of preparation both for Jesus’ birth and for his second coming, reflecting on the Nicene Creed’s words, “He will come again in glory.” They will discover the Jesse Tree as a symbol of Jesus’ ancestry and God’s plan for salvation and will explore different artistic representations of it. Finally, they will learn about the feast of Christ the King, reflecting on what kind of king Jesus is, how artists have portrayed him, and what it means to be a good leader.
Year 5 In Year 5, children will explore key scripture passages about the life of David, including his anointing, his victory over Goliath, his kingship, God’s covenant with him, and his death. They will understand the historical context of these passages and will learn that God often chooses in unexpected ways, calling David the shepherd to be a servant king who unites his people. They will reflect on the image of the shepherd as a model of servant leadership. They will learn that for Christians, Jesus fulfils the promises made to David, exploring Gospel passages that present Jesus as the Messiah who continues the covenant. They will hear and pray psalms, such as Psalm 23, recognising David as a model of prayer and the psalms as a treasury of prayer still used in the Church today. They will explore the Rosary as a prayerful reflection on the life of Christ, focusing on the Joyful Mysteries, and will learn about the O Antiphons, discovering how these ancient Advent prayers are expressed in art and music and help Christians to reflect on the coming of Jesus at Christmas.
Year 6 In Year 6, children will explore the important role of women in salvation history. They will hear Old Testament stories of figures such as Sarah, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah and Esther, and will learn how these women were true protagonists in God’s plan, as recognised by Pope John Paul II. They will reflect on the influence of significant women in their own lives. They will study the Gospel accounts of the Annunciation, comparing Luke’s and Matthew’s narratives, and will learn that Mary is the fulfilment of Old Testament promises and became the Mother of God through her “Yes” to God’s plan. They will explore the Magnificat, understanding how Mary’s prayer forms radical expectations of the Messiah and hearing it as the Church’s song of praise at Vespers. Finally, they will learn about women today who respond to God’s call through religious life, exploring the role of Catholic women’s religious orders and reflecting on how they themselves might say “Yes” to God’s call in their own lives and communities.
IMPORTANT DATES THIS TERM All will start at 9am unless otherwise stated OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY (7 OCTOBER) We celebrate our patronal saint. ALL SAINTS (1 November) We celebrate the lives of special and ordinary people who have responded to God’s invitation to love. THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED(ALL SOULS) (2 November) Today and throughout the rest of November we pray for those who have died. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE (22 November) ADVENT (Begins 29 November) Advent means ‘coming’. We think of the coming of Jesus when he was born but we also think of his promise that he would come again at the end of time. It is a time of waiting and preparing. It is only in the last week of Advent that we focus upon the events to be celebrated at Christmas. THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (8 December) This feast marks the first stage of the existence of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was ‘full of grace’ from the very beginning and co-operated with God throughout her life. When December 8 falls on a Sunday, the Immaculate Conception is transferred to Monday CHRISTMAS DAY, THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (25 December) On this day we begin our celebration of the birth of Christ.
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH (29 December)
SCHOOL LITURGY DATES AUTUMN 1 All will start at 9am unless otherwise stated
WHOLE SCHOOL MASS 11 SEPTEMBER All parents/carers welcome
YEAR 6 RETREAT AT OLOR CHURCH, MASS AT 2PM 18 SEPTEMBER Year 6 parents/carers welcome to Mass
RECEPTION CLASS WELCOME MASS 02 OCTOBER Year R parents/carers welcome
MASS ON THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY AT OLOR CHURCH, 9.30am 07 OCTOBER All parents/carers welcome
HARVEST ASSEMBLY 16 OCTOBER Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 parents/carers welcome
SCHOOL LITURGY DATES AUTUMN 2 WHOLE SCHOOL MASS FOR HOLY SOULS 06 November All parents/carers welcome
YEAR 4 CLASS MASS 13 November Year 4 parents/carers welcome
YEAR 5 CLASS MASS 20 November Year 5 parents/carers welcome
YEAR 3 CLASS MASS 27 November Year 3 parents/carers welcome
RECONCILIATION LITURGY 04 December KS2 pupils and staff only
END OF TERM MASS 18 December All parents/carers welcome