Religious Education

We recognise that pupils’ personal development — spiritually, morally, socially and culturally — plays a vital role in their ability to learn, achieve and thrive. Religious Education (RE) is central to preparing our pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in modern British society. It develops their knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs that form the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the United Kingdom. At our school, RE underpins the teaching of British Values and supports children in understanding democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Religious Education makes a significant contribution to pupils’ personal development, well-being and community cohesion. It promotes mutual respect and tolerance within a diverse society, providing a meaningful context in which pupils can explore and appreciate difference. Through RE, children develop an understanding of shared values, learn to challenge prejudice, racism and discrimination, and strengthen their ability to make thoughtful moral judgements. The subject equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding to discern and value truth and goodness, evaluate different beliefs and commitments, and make positive, healthy choices.

RE is usually taught for one session each week across every year group. Across Years 1–6, three units of RE are taught each academic year, delivered across three half-terms. Lessons are theme-led and carefully sequenced to build knowledge and understanding over time. Our RE curriculum is based on the Twinkl scheme, ensuring clear progression and coverage of key beliefs, practices and concepts across a range of religions and worldviews.

In addition to weekly lessons, RE is complemented by weekly in-class assemblies linked to religious festivals occurring at that time of year. These assemblies are carefully mapped to include key festivals from the religions studied within the curriculum, enriching pupils’ understanding and providing meaningful, real-life context to their learning.

From Year 1 onwards, each year group visits a different place of worship every academic year. This ensures that, by the time they leave us in Year 6, all children will have visited a range of places of worship and developed first-hand experience of different faith communities.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, RE is integrated within the EYFS curriculum. It is taught and planned through whole-class teaching, discussions and continuous provision, supporting children in developing early understanding of beliefs, celebrations and the world around them.

Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE lessons. However, they must meet with a member of the Senior Leadership Team to discuss the reasons for the withdrawal.

RE

The highest result of education is tolerance. – Helen Keller