In Branch 1, Year 2 explore the themes of God’s Chosen People, Noah’s Ark, the Psalms in the Bible, the role of the Steward, and Laudato Si’—the letter written by Pope Francis as a ‘call to action’ to help save our world.
Pupils discuss what it means to care for our common home and explore how they can support this mission both at school and at home.
In Branch 2, pupils retell religious accounts from the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus. These stories are taken from the Gospel of Luke.
This branch includes identifying Zechariah’s message about John the Baptist’s future (Luke 1:76) and recognising that the Church teaches Mary is the Mother of God who prays for them.
Pupils describe ways in which Christians prepare for Jesus’ coming at Christmas during the season of Advent.
During this branch, pupils learn The Magnificat and the Our Father prayers. These connect to their learning on Mary as the Mother of God and the Catholic Social Teaching principle of Preferential Option for the Poor during Advent.
In Branch 3, pupils retell the account of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus. They learn that baptism begins a relationship with God and that the Holy Spirit is present in this Catholic sacrament.
Pupils recognise that everyone is tempted to make bad choices and sin, but that God loves and forgives all people. They understand that the Kingdom of God is accessible to all.
They begin to recognise the miracles of Jesus as signs that He is the Son of God. Pupils use religious words and phrases to describe how Catholics say sorry to God in prayer and reflect on why saying sorry to God and others is important.
Pupils revisit the baptism of Jesus and John the Baptist, connecting this to their previous learning about prophets in the Bible. They discuss the importance of holy water and understand baptism as a sacrament of the Catholic Church.
Pupils explore parables from the Bible, learning that parables are stories Jesus uses to teach about God’s approval. These stories show that God’s love is unbreakable and that He loves all creation equally.
They also learn that parables teach about God’s inclusivity and forgiveness, helping them understand how to live with compassion and kindness in their own lives.
By the end of this branch, pupils understand and articulate key concepts related to forgiveness, reconciliation, and symbols of faith.
They recognise what Jesus says about forgiveness on the cross and connect this to the belief that God always forgives.
Pupils appreciate that Lent is a special time for reconciliation and forgiveness.
They use age-appropriate religious vocabulary to describe the Sacrament of Reconciliation, linking it to the belief in God’s forgiveness.
Pupils discuss the symbols of light and water in the Easter Vigil Mass, exploring their deeper meaning.
Through creative and critical thinking, pupils examine works of art to recall Holy Week, consider examples of reconciliation and peacebuilding—such as the reconciliation outside Coventry Cathedral—and listen to sung versions of the Kyrie Eleison to understand its meaning.
They reflect on the symbolism of light and water in the Easter Vigil, linking it to themes such as Creation, Baptism, and Advent.
In response to their learning, pupils think about the meaning of forgiveness in their own lives, the impact of bad choices on themselves and others, and the importance of saying sorry.
By the end of this branch, pupils sequence the events from the Resurrection of Jesus to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
They understand that St. Luke writes a gospel about the life of Jesus as well as the Acts of the Apostles, which details the early Church.
Pupils retell the story of Saul’s conversion (Acts 9:1–19) and recognise that the description of the fruits of the Spirit is drawn from one of St. Paul’s letters (Galatians 5:22).
They understand that Christians believe the Holy Spirit opens their hearts to God, aids them in prayer, and encourages habits of kindness toward others and themselves.
Pupils name the fruits of the Holy Spirit and make simple connections between these virtues and the lives of saints or holy people who exemplify them.
Through creative and critical thinking, pupils express their wonder about the story of the resurrected Jesus appearing to the apostles.
They imagine the apostles’ feelings at the Ascension (Acts 1:6–11) and reflect on Saul’s transformation.
Pupils consider what they wonder about the fruits of the Holy Spirit and share personal responses to symbols of the Holy Spirit—such as wind, fire, and the dove—in art.
They link these reflections to previous branches, including Taizé representations and Marlene Scholz’s Blessed Trinity.
Additionally, pupils listen to and ask questions about the lives of saints who exemplify peacebuilding in the world.
In response to this branch, pupils reflect on the words “Come Holy Spirit,” thinking about what it means to open one’s heart to God.
They consider the significance of prayer, share stories from various religious communities, and explore how embodying the fruits of the Holy Spirit can positively impact their lives and those around them—including their families and the broader community.
By the end of this branch, pupils explain the message of the Good Samaritan story and explore how it guides Christians in their daily lives.
They describe an initiative where Christians collaborate locally and globally to serve others, and make simple connections between Jewish religious practices—such as observing the Sabbath—and how these are celebrated in the synagogue and at home.
Pupils discuss the importance of respecting diverse beliefs within their local communities.
Through critical and creative thinking, pupils explore questions like “Who is my neighbour?” and consider thoughtful responses.
They engage with examples of Hebrew calligraphy by a sofer (scribe), asking reflective “I wonder” questions about what they observe.
Additionally, pupils listen to stories and experiences from peers and members of various communities to deepen their understanding.
In response, pupils reflect personally on the question “Who is my neighbour?” and consider ways they might embody the Good Samaritan’s kindness in their own community.
