The Archdiocese of Birmingham Education Service - Primary - Schools

The schools of the Archdiocese of Birmingham use the Diocese’s own curriculum strategy from Foundation (Nursery) to Year 6 called ‘Learning & Growing as the People of God.’ (often referred to as the Strategy). The Strategy was written using the Learning Outcomes provided in the Bishops’ Conference document the Curriculum Directory as a basis. Rather than produce a lesson by lesson scheme of work the Strategy provides teachers with a range of suggested cross-curricula activities which they can use and adapt to suit the needs of the learners in their class in order that their children achieve the learning outcomes. This flexibility also allows teachers to incorporate their own ideas, creativity and imagination into the delivery of the Strategy.

The Strategy is divided into a number of units, usually 12, which cover four main areas of study. It is through the construction of a spiral curriculum that children’s knowledge and understanding is developed. The children learn about the Liturgical Seasons of the Church’s year. They find out about the significance of each season, its particular signs and symbols and the different liturgies celebrated in each season. The children also study both Old Testament and New Testament Scripture in order to give them familiarity and knowledge of Scripture as well as allowing them to explore and understand how our Catholic beliefs are rooted in what Scripture reveals to us. There is a strong Sacramental focus in each year group. In particular the content of the Y3 and Y6 books fully prepares the children to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist in Y3 and Confirmation in Y6. As part of the strategy 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.

A key element to each unit is the opportunity to link the learning with opportunities for prayer and reflection.

The Service Level Agreement

The Service Level Agreement (SLA) is an educational support service offered to all the schools of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. The price of the SLA is based on the number of children in school from Reception upwards. Through this agreement schools have access to termly cluster group meetings led by one of the Diocesan advisers. The focus for these meetings is determined partly by what schools have requested through the annual self evaluation of the SLA and also in response to local and national news and initiatives. These meetings also give the RE coordinator/subject leader the opportunity to network with colleagues from other schools and to share good practice. Currently we have 23 groups meeting each term. These groups are based geographically across the whole Diocese.

As part of the SLA schools also receive an advisory school visit every other year which is personalised to the needs of the school. Some schools which require more individual attention opt to have 2 half day visits a year where the visits are tailored to their specific needs.

Schools also have access to the resources provided by the diocesan team and by other schools on the Re-Live website (www.re-live.org)

In addition to the SLA the Primary advisers are available to lead Staff Meetings and INSET related to RE and the Catholic Life of the school. Costs for these are available from the DES office.