Religious Education (RE)

Intent

At Brightwalton C of E Primary School, Religious Education is central to our vision of “Shining a Light.” As a Church of England school, we provide an inclusive, ambitious and academically rigorous RE curriculum which enables pupils to explore beliefs, values, identity and spirituality while developing respect, compassion and understanding of others.

We welcome and value all members of our school community, including families from Christian backgrounds, other faiths and those who do not identify with a particular religion. Through RE, pupils learn about Christianity as a living faith while also exploring a range of religions and worldviews represented in modern Britain and the wider world.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to develop knowledge, vocabulary and enquiry skills progressively from EYFS to Year 6. Pupils explore Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism through discussion, reflection and enquiry.

We aim for pupils to:

• develop secure knowledge of religions and worldviews
• ask thoughtful questions and reflect on meaning and purpose
• respect diversity and different viewpoints
• understand how beliefs influence people’s lives
• grow into thoughtful, respectful and responsible human beings

As part of our Christian vision, we nurture spirituality through opportunities for reflection, awe, wonder and discussion. Pupils are encouraged to consider their own experiences, relationships and responsibilities towards others within a safe and respectful environment.

We are ambitious for every pupil. All children, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, are supported to access the full RE curriculum through adaptive teaching and high expectations.

Implementation

RE is taught through carefully planned units which build progressively on prior learning. Lessons are structured around enquiry, discussion and reflection so that pupils develop both religious knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Pupils learn about:

• beliefs, practices and traditions
• sacred texts and stories
• worship and celebration
• spirituality and belonging
• moral and ethical questions
• similarities and differences between religions and worldviews

Christianity is taught throughout all phases as the foundation of our Church school identity. Pupils also study Judaism, Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism through age-appropriate enquiry and discussion.

Vocabulary development is prioritised so pupils can communicate ideas clearly and accurately. Teaching includes opportunities for respectful debate, reflection, visits, visitors and cross-curricular learning.

Teachers use assessment purposefully to check understanding, address misconceptions and build secure knowledge over time. Teaching is inclusive and adaptive so that all pupils can participate successfully and achieve well.

Impact

The impact of our RE curriculum is reflected in pupils’ knowledge, attitudes and personal development.

As a result of our RE curriculum:

• pupils develop secure knowledge of Christianity and other religions and worldviews
• pupils use subject-specific vocabulary confidently
• pupils show respect, empathy and understanding towards others
• pupils engage thoughtfully in discussion and reflection
• pupils understand diversity and life in modern Britain
• pupils develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally
• work in books demonstrates progression in knowledge and understanding over time
• pupils with SEND access learning successfully and make progress from their starting points

The impact of RE is also evident in the respectful relationships, inclusive culture and caring ethos across our school community.

Leaders evaluate the effectiveness of RE through:

• review of pupils’ work
• pupil discussions
• lesson visits and curriculum monitoring
• ongoing assessment
• subject leader and governor review

These processes ensure that RE remains ambitious, inclusive and reflective of the Christian vision and values of Brightwalton C of E Primary School.