“WE do our best by following Jesus’

Religious Education at St Ambrose is central to the life of the school, it is a way of life, living and learning through Faith. R.E. is a core subject and the beliefs and values studied in R.E. inspire and draw together every aspect of the life of our school. 

We use the Diocese’s own curriculum strategy called ‘Learning and Growing as the People of God’ ​to teach R.E. The Strategy is divided into a number of units for each year group, usually 12, which cover four main areas of study:

• The Liturgical Seasons of the Church’s Year: The children find out about the significance of each season, its particular signs and symbols and the different liturgies celebrated in each season.
• Scripture: The children study both Old Testament and New Testament Scripture in order to give them familiarity and knowledge of Scripture as well as enabling them to explore and understand how Catholic beliefs are rooted in what Scripture reveals to us.
• The Sacraments: There is a strong Sacramental focus in each year group. The Year 3 and Year 6 books fully prepare the children to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist in Year 3 and Confirmation in Year 6.
• Living as Christians including Prayer: 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.

Teachers differentiate the strategy to suit the learning needs of the children in their class in order for them to explore the Catholic faith and achieve the learning outcomes. We put a strong emphasis on pupils engaging with and responding to questions of life in the light of religious teaching and our pupils are encouraged to reflect on the wonder and mysteries of God.  

A Weekly assembly covers the Sunday Gospel and half termly assemblies recognise pupils who have demonstrated the Catholic Pupil Profile of values and virtues. Weekly 'Shining Lights' assemblies celebrate the achievements of our pupils.  One class a week attends the Parish Mass as well as whole school masses at the start and end of each term and for special Feast days. Each key stage celebrates a weekly Collective Worship Liturgy together.

Y6 Liturgy Leaders support pupils across the school to lead prayer in class and during key stage assemblies.  They also work with the R.E. leader to promote prayer in school. 

In addition to the diocesan strategy we also hold an annual multicultural and multi-faith celebration week and visit places of worship. We also invite special visitors into school to speak about their faith and to encourage our pupils to reflect on what unites us as people of faith.