Structure of the Religious Education Curriculum
Both Source to Summit: Lighting the Path and the Diocese of Salford Pilot Programme follow the structure of the recommended model curriculum set out in the Religious Education Directory for Catholic Schools, Colleges and Academies in England and Wales (2023) “To know You more clearly.”
Within this model, the school year is organised into six branches of learning, each lasting for one half-term and centred around a key theological theme. These branches enable pupils to encounter the story of salvation in a clear and progressive way, exploring Scripture, Catholic belief, liturgy and the lived experience of faith.
The Lighting the Path programme supports this structure through a carefully sequenced approach that draws on Sacred Scripture, Catholic tradition, prayer, liturgy and lived experience. Pupils are encouraged not only to develop knowledge and understanding, but also to reflect, respond and deepen their relationship with God and others.
Autumn Term – Branch 1: Creation and Covenant
In this branch, pupils encounter God as Creator, exploring the Christian belief that all creation originates from God and is inherently good. Through the Creation accounts in the Book of Genesis, children learn about humanity’s relationship with God and the responsibility to care for creation.
Pupils are introduced to the idea of covenant, exploring how God calls and forms a people through key figures in the Old Testament, including Abraham and Moses. Through these stories, children begin to understand God’s faithfulness and the developing narrative of salvation.
Autumn Term – Branch 2: Prophecy and Promise
This branch focuses on the prophets of the Old Testament and their role in preparing God’s people for the coming of the Messiah. Pupils explore how the prophets proclaimed God’s promise of salvation and pointed towards Jesus Christ as the fulfilment of that promise.
Children also learn about the season of Advent, reflecting on themes of waiting, hope and preparation. The branch culminates in the Nativity of Jesus, helping pupils understand the mystery of the Incarnation, where God becomes human in Jesus Christ.
Spring Term – Branch 3: Galilee to Jerusalem
In this branch, pupils explore the ministry and mission of Jesus, the Word of God made flesh. Through Gospel accounts, children learn about Jesus’ life and teachings, including his parables, miracles and encounters with others.
They discover how Jesus revealed the Kingdom of God and called people to follow him. Pupils are introduced to the disciples and reflect on what it means to live as a follower of Jesus today.
Spring Term – Branch 4: Desert to Garden
This branch centres on the season of Lent and prepares pupils to understand the significance of Holy Week. Children explore the journey from repentance and preparation in Lent to the central events of the Christian faith.
Through the study of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, pupils learn how the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of the Church’s liturgy and life. The journey from the desert to the garden symbolises the movement from darkness to light and from death to new life in Christ.
Summer Term – Branch 5: To the Ends of the Earth
Pupils explore the events following the Resurrection, including the Ascension of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. They learn about the mission of the apostles and the growth of the early Church.
Through these studies, children come to understand how the Church continues the mission of Jesus today. They also learn how many aspects of the Catholic Church’s liturgy, leadership and traditions can be traced back to the earliest Christian communities.
Summer Term – Branch 6: Dialogue and Encounter
In the final branch, pupils explore the importance of respectful dialogue and encounter with others. They learn how Christians are called to work alongside people of different faiths and beliefs, promoting peace, justice and the common good.
Through this learning, children develop an understanding of how faith can inspire people to build relationships, show compassion and work together in service of humanity.
Through these six branches, the Lighting the Path programme helps pupils to engage deeply with Scripture, understand Catholic belief and reflect on how faith shapes everyday life, enabling them to grow spiritually, morally and intellectually.