Our vision
Religious Education helps children make sense of the world by exploring beliefs, values and ways of life, both religious and non‑religious. Through our RE curriculum, pupils develop curiosity, empathy and respect, learning to engage thoughtfully with big questions about life, identity and meaning.
RE is an essential part of our curriculum, supporting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and helping them flourish in a diverse and modern society.
Why we teach RE
RE is compulsory for all registered pupils and has equal standing with National Curriculum subjects. At its best, RE is intellectually challenging and personally enriching. It helps pupils:
- Understand different religions and worldviews
- Reflect on their own beliefs and values
- Develop respect and empathy for others
- Engage in reasoned discussion and debate
RE supports our school ethos and prepares children to live respectfully alongside people of different beliefs, cultures and traditions.
How RE is taught
We use the Jigsaw RE programme as our scheme of work, following our locally agreed syllabus (or chosen curriculum framework where applicable). RE may be taught as a discrete subject or organised in planned blocks across the year.
Jigsaw RE provides a structured, enquiry‑based approach, where learning begins with children’s own experiences and questions before exploring religious and non‑religious worldviews.
An enquiry‑based approach
Each unit of learning begins with a key enquiry question, encouraging children to:
- Ask thoughtful and sometimes challenging questions
- Explore beliefs, practices and stories
- Learn both about religion and from religion
- Reflect personally on what they have learned
This approach supports deep thinking, respectful discussion and spiritual development.
What children learn
Across their time in school, pupils:
- Study Christianity and a range of other religions and worldviews
- Explore beliefs, practices, festivals, stories and sacred texts
- Consider moral questions, identity, belonging and responsibility
- Develop skills of reflection, interpretation and evaluation
Key concepts such as respect, compassion, awe and wonder are revisited and deepened as pupils mature.
Building identity and respect
RE helps pupils:
- Develop a strong sense of identity and belonging
- Understand how beliefs shape lives and communities
- Respect people with different faiths and beliefs
- Challenge prejudice and stereotypes
This learning plays an important role in promoting British Values, human rights and positive citizenship.
Inclusion and SEND
Jigsaw RE is designed as a universal curriculum accessible to all pupils. Lessons are adapted thoughtfully so pupils with SEND can engage meaningfully, using:
- Creative and practical activities
- Visual supports and varied outcomes
- Opportunities for discussion and alternative recording
Teachers ensure every child can reflect, respond and achieve.
Assessment and progress
Assessment in RE is built into each enquiry. Teachers look at:
- Knowledge and understanding of the religion or worldview studied
- Personal reflection in response to the enquiry question
- Critical thinking and ability to explain ideas thoughtfully
Progress is tracked across the year and used to inform teaching, reporting and subject monitoring.
The learning environment
RE lessons take place in a safe, open and respectful environment, supported by the Jigsaw RE Charter. Pupils learn that:
- All views are listened to respectfully
- Artefacts and beliefs are treated with care
- Disagreeing is acceptable when done thoughtfully and kindly
Sensitive or controversial issues are handled carefully and professionally.
Parents’ right to withdraw
Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE. We invite parents to discuss any request with the school so concerns can be explored and arrangements agreed respectfully.
In summary
Through our RE curriculum, children leave primary school with:
- Knowledge of Christianity and other religions and worldviews
- Respect for difference and confidence in discussion
- Skills to reflect on beliefs and values
- Empathy, curiosity and openness towards others
Religious Education at our school helps pupils understand the world, understand others, and understand themselves.