RED - To Know You More Clearly

The new Religious Education Directory, “To Know You More Clearly,” was shared by the Liverpool Archdiocese in February 2023. At St Sebastian’s, we have implemented this on a rolling programme from Early Years to Year 4, working closely alongside the Archdiocese for guidance and support. The Archdiocese aims to have the curriculum fully implemented across all schools by September 2026, and we are committed to ensuring that every child at St. Sebastian’s benefits from this rich and engaging programme.

The model curriculum aims to draw pupils into an encounter with a story — the story of God’s relationship with humanity — while placing a strong emphasis on liturgy, prayer and worship. Religious Education at St  Sebastian’s is designed to be as rich in knowledge as any other subject, while also offering the life-transforming possibilities of biblical wisdom and sacramental experience.

Our staff have accessed all relevant training provided by the Archdiocese, ensuring they are well-equipped to teach the curriculum and support the spiritual development of each child. Additionally, our RE Coordinator attends regular local network and Archdiocese meetings to stay updated with the latest developments and share best practice across schools.

Pupils explore the curriculum through six branches throughout the academic year:

• Branch 1: Creation and Covenant

• Branch 2: Prophecy and Promise

• Branch 3: Galilee to Jerusalem

• Branch 4: Desert to Garden

• Branch 5: To the Ends of the Earth

• Branch 6: Dialogue and Encounter

Through this programme, children develop not only their understanding of Scripture and Church teaching but also a lived experience of faith through liturgical celebrations, prayer and reflection, nurturing a deeper relationship with God.

Catholic Education Service – Religious Education Directory

Come and See

Come and See is a Catholic Primary Religious Education programme, developed by a group of experienced diocesan advisors, and is used across many schools within the Archdiocese. At St Sebastian’s, we continue to deliver Come and See in Year 5 and Year 6 (until the new Religious Education Directory curriculum, To Know You More Clearly, is fully available). The programme provides a child-friendly approach to exploring the rich teachings of the Catholic Church through age-appropriate resources and engaging activities, helping children to encounter the mystery of God’s love revealed through Jesus Christ.

Each year group follows a structured list of focus topics that are aligned with the Church calendar, allowing pupils to revisit key themes at a deeper level as they grow in understanding and faith. Come and See offers pupils the opportunity to explore the mystery of God’s self-revelation through Scripture and Tradition, while encouraging wonder, reflection, and a personal connection with their faith.

Throughout the year, pupils study nine topics, each designed around the process of Explore, Reveal, and Respond:

• Explore (1 week): Pupils reflect on their own life experiences and the questions these raise, sharing and discussing their significance.

• Reveal (2 weeks): This is the heart of the programme, where knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith are revealed through Scripture, Tradition, prayer, and Christian living.

• Respond (1 week): Pupils celebrate, reflect, and respond to what they have learned, considering how their learning can be lived out in daily life.

In addition to studying the Catholic faith, each year group also learns about other world religions, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism, helping pupils to develop respect, curiosity, and understanding for people of all faiths and traditions.

As described on the official Come and See website, the programme is designed to foster a sense of wonder and awe, enabling children to engage deeply with their faith and the Catholic Tradition. It raises questions of meaning and purpose, encourages critical thinking, and nurtures positive attitudes and a lifelong love of learning.

Children at St Sebastian’s are invited to “come and see” the wonder of all that is within them and beyond them—discovering a sense of self-worth, belonging, and joy in being part of our faith community.

You can find out more about the Come and See programme on their official website: Come and See.