Our New RE Curriculum: Discerning Disciples

At St Vincent’s, Religious Education is the foundation of all that we do. Our mission reminds us that we are all children of God, brothers and sisters learning to use our gifts of knowledge, communication and love for the good of our world. The new BDES curriculum, Discerning Disciples, helps us live this mission more deeply and intentionally throughout the school day.

Discerning Disciples provides a spiral curriculum that nurtures children’s intellect, hearts and imagination. It's branches teach the richness of Catholic faith and life in ways that are lively, interactive and rooted in real experience. Through Scripture, prayer, discussion, creativity and hands‑on learning, pupils grow in understanding of who God is, who they are, and how they are called to use their gifts for the good of others.

A central part of the curriculum is the partnership between school, home and parish. This partnership is at the heart of Catholic education, and Discerning Disciples strengthens it by helping children recognise faith lived out in their families, in our parish community and in the wider world. We use technology, visit places of worship, welcome visitors who share their faith stories, and create cross‑curricular links that show how faith shapes every part of life.

At St Vincent’s, our mission is not something we simply display — it is something we teach, model and live. Through Discerning Disciples, children learn how to use their God‑given gifts of knowledge, communication and love in their learning, their friendships and their choices. RE becomes the lens through which pupils understand themselves, their community and their responsibility to make the world a better place.

Religious Education is not just one subject among many; it is the heartbeat of our school, guiding our values, our relationships and our shared purpose. Through Discerning Disciples, we continue to help every child grow as a thoughtful, compassionate and hopeful young disciple.

Parents retain the legal right to withdraw their child from Religious Education should they wish to do so, in accordance with national education guidance.