Religious Education

At our school, Religious Education plays a vital role in helping pupils develop an understanding of the diverse world around them. Through a rich and engaging curriculum, pupils explore a wide range of religions, beliefs, and worldviews, learning to appreciate difference, show respect, and reflect on their own values.

Our RE curriculum is built around two high‑quality schemes: Understanding Christianity and Discovery RE. These provide a clear, progressive approach from Reception through Year 6, ensuring pupils develop both knowledge and critical thinking skills as they mature.

What Pupils Will Learn

Across the school, pupils study Christianity in depth while also exploring the beliefs and practices of Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism. Themes include festivals, sacred texts, belonging, worship, morality and big theological questions.

Key Learning Themes Include:

• Christianity
  Pupils explore key concepts such as creation, the nativity, Easter, the Trinity, Jesus’ teachings and the impact of Christian beliefs on daily life.

• Judaism
  Learning includes special festivals such as Chanukah and Passover, the importance of Shabbat, and what it means to live in relationship with God.

• Islam
  Pupils explore prayer, belonging to the Muslim community, Hajj, showing commitment to God and how belief in Akhirah shapes daily life.

• Hinduism
  Themes include Diwali, Hindu beliefs about Brahman, and how ideas such as Karma and Samsara help Hindus to lead a good life.

• Sikhism
  Pupils learn about Sikh stories, worship, commitment to God and how beliefs guide actions.

• Development of Personal Worldviews
  Across all year groups, pupils learn to reflect on their own experiences, ask big questions and consider how beliefs influence behaviour.

This broad and balanced approach ensures pupils gain a respectful understanding of religion and belief in modern Britain.

How RE is Delivered

RE is taught weekly, following a carefully sequenced long‑term plan that ensures progression from Early Years to Upper Key Stage Two.

Our Approach to Teaching RE

• Story‑based and enquiry‑led learning
  Pupils investigate key questions such as “What makes people special?”, “How do people celebrate?” or “Why does Easter matter?”. This encourages curiosity and reflective thinking.

• Active, discussion‑rich lessons
  Pupils learn through conversations, debate, role‑play, drama, artwork and group tasks, helping them make sense of concepts in an age‑appropriate way.

• Building knowledge year on year
  Concepts revisit and deepen (e.g., Christmas and Easter are explored multiple times across school), ensuring strong understanding as pupils mature.

• Links to real life and community
  Pupils learn how religious beliefs influence people today. Where possible, visits, virtual encounters and artefacts bring learning to life.

• Inclusive and respectful environment
  Every pupil’s voice is valued. The curriculum encourages them to learn from religions as well as about them, developing empathy, respect and cultural awareness.

• Early Years Foundation Stage
  In Reception, pupils explore special people, celebrations and special places across several faiths, laying strong foundations through play‑based, exploratory learning.

Impact

By the time they leave Year 6, pupils will:

• Be able to understand major world religions and their key beliefs.
• Reflect on big questions about life, identity and morality.
• Show respect and empathy towards people of all backgrounds.
• Be prepared for life in a diverse, modern society.
• Have the confidence to express their own thoughts and values.