Prophecy and Promise - Branch 2

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

In this branch, pupils across the school explore how the Bible tells the story of God preparing His people for the coming of Jesus. They encounter prophecies from the Old Testament, including Isaiah’s promise of a child who would be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us”, and they see how these promises are fulfilled in the New Testament. Through Gospel passages, especially the Annunciation, the Visitation, the birth of Jesus, and the visits of the shepherds, children come to recognise Jesus as the promised Messiah. As pupils move into Key Stage 2, they learn how figures such as Elijah, John the Baptist, David, and the women of the Old Testament play important roles in God’s unfolding plan.

Throughout this branch, pupils deepen their understanding of Advent as a time of waiting, preparation, and hope. Younger pupils learn the story of Mary and Joseph and encounter the Nativity through Scripture, prayer, and the traditions of the crib and Advent wreath. Older pupils examine how Christians prepare spiritually for Jesus’ coming through prayer, Scripture, and the liturgy, exploring traditions such as the Jesse Tree, the O Antiphons, the Magnificat, and Advent hymns. Across the school, pupils see how Christians recognise Jesus as the fulfilment of ancient promises and how the Church reflects on these mysteries each year.

The learning also helps pupils understand the Christian call to live with hope, compassion, and attentiveness to others. Through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, children recognise that the birth of Jesus speaks of God’s care for those who are poor, overlooked, or in need. They learn how Christians express this care during Advent by acts of generosity, service, and solidarity with others. Older pupils also hear about people, past and present, who respond to God’s call through lives of faith, including women in Scripture and in religious life today. Across all year groups, pupils come to see Advent as a season of promise, preparing hearts for the joyful celebration of Jesus’ birth.