FollowMe Series

Infants to Second Class

The Strands of the Religious Education Programme for Infants to 2nd class are:

• Celebrations, festivals, ceremonies and customs;
  
• Sacred writings, stories and key figures;
  
• Beliefs;
  
• Sacred places, worship and symbols;
  
• Moral values and attitudes;
  
• Personal search

The curriculum is presented in six strands as above. These are consistent throughout the primary school and provide a basis for the Religious Education curriculum at post-primary level.

The strands are presented at four levels, outlining the content that could be covered at each stage of the child's time at school. The programme designed for each level will be flexible so as it can be implemented according to the needs of each school and each individual child.

The curriculum is drawn up in a spiral manner, that is, where similar content is revisited at each level. The methodologies employed and the quantity and type of information given at each level will reflect the development of the child and will match his or her needs at that time.
 
The following relates to the strands and their implementation in levels 1 and 2 (Infants, 1st/2nd class):

Celebrations, festivals, ceremonies and customs: (↑top)

This strand focuses on the many festivals within the church's year. Not only do the children learn about these festivals, but they are encouraged to participate in the celebrations through worship, song and prayer. Objectives for this Strand

Sacred writings, stories and key figures: (↑top)

This strand has as its core the Bible and the many stories contained in it. Children are given opportunities to hear Bible stories at each level and they are encouraged to respond to and interact with the stories so as they begin to discover the Bible's relevance for them. As Jesus is the central figure of Christianity, many stories of his life and teaching are included in the programme. At this level 'Jesus the man' is focused on as a foundation for further understanding of Jesus as the 'Son of God', the 'Christ'. Stories of other Bible characters and famous Christians through history are portrayed as examples and inspiration for the children in their own lives. Objectives for this Strand

Beliefs: (↑top)

This strand encourages the child to develop at his or her own level a basic understanding of the beliefs of Christians and the concept and personhood of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The children will participate in prayers and songs/hymns relating to these beliefs. Objectives for this Strand

Sacred Places, worship and symbols: (↑top)

Participation in worship in the classroom, school assembly and in church services encourages a development of the children's awareness of the central experiential dimension in Religious Education. Parish school links are encouraged and the children are enabled to explore their church. Objectives for this Strand

Moral Values and Attitudes: (↑top)

This strand encourages the children to become aware of values such as sharing, caring, loving and forgiveness. By reflecting on the stories they hear they are led to develop a sense of personal responsibility for their behaviour and attitudes towards others. Objectives for this Strand

Personal Search: (↑top)

This strand enables the children to begin their search for the answers to the ultimate questions of life. They can learn how to ask questions, discuss their feelings and values and respond to their environment. They can respond to the wonders of the world around them through worship, language and the expressive arts. Objectives for this Strand