Galilee to Jerusalem - Branch 3

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… He has sent me to bring good news to the poor.

Luke 4:18

In this branch, pupils across the school explore how the Gospels show Jesus revealing the Kingdom of God through His teaching, His compassion, and the signs He performs. Children encounter moments in Jesus’ ministry that help them understand who He is and how He calls people to follow Him. Through parables, miracles, and encounters with those on the margins of society, pupils come to see Jesus as the one who brings healing, hope, and a new way of living.

Younger children hear stories that show Jesus’ welcome and generosity, including the visit of the Magi, Jesus blessing the little children, and the Feeding of the Five Thousand. These stories help them recognise Jesus’ kindness, His love for all people, and His desire to draw everyone close to God. Through learning simple prayers such as the Glory Be, they begin to grow in confidence in speaking to God.

As pupils move through the school, they explore how Jesus teaches the crowds through parables, inviting them to see the world differently and to understand the depth of God’s love. They learn that parables such as the Sower, the Lost Sheep, and the Good Samaritan reveal truths about mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and the call to love one’s neighbour. Pupils also encounter Jesus’ miracles, which show His power over creation and His care for those who suffer, helping them reflect on what it means for Christians to trust in God.

Older pupils study Jesus’ teachings in greater detail, including the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes, recognising how Jesus invites His followers to live with humility, generosity, and a heart open to God. They hear how the disciples witness the Transfiguration and how this moment reveals Jesus’ divine glory. Pupils also explore passages from the Gospel of John, encountering the seven signs and the “I am” statements that guide believers toward a deeper understanding of Jesus’ identity.

Across the school, children reflect on how Jesus reaches out to those who are poor, excluded, or overlooked. Through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, pupils consider how the actions of Jesus call Christians today to live with compassion, courage, and fairness. They explore how Christians respond to Jesus’ example through service, prayer, and commitment to the needs of others.

Throughout this branch, pupils come to see that Jesus’ journey from Galilee to Jerusalem is a journey of love and revelation. They learn that His words and actions invite all people to grow in faith and to follow Him more closely. By engaging with Scripture, prayer, and the richness of the Church’s tradition, children across all year groups deepen their understanding of Jesus’ mission and of the hope and transformation He brings to the world.