RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE)
INTENT
At Smallthorne Primary Academy, Religious Education plays an important role in helping pupils understand the diverse beliefs, cultures and traditions that shape our world. Through RE, pupils explore different religions and worldviews while developing respect, curiosity and understanding of others.
Our RE curriculum enables pupils to learn about religion and from religion, helping them to understand how beliefs influence people’s lives and how different traditions contribute to communities both locally and globally.
Through RE, pupils develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other principal religions represented in Great Britain, while also reflecting on their own ideas, values and experiences.
Our RE curriculum ensures pupils:
• develop knowledge and understanding of major world religions
• understand how religious beliefs influence behaviour and ways of life
• explore questions about meaning, identity and values
• develop respect and tolerance for people with different beliefs
• learn to discuss and reflect on moral and ethical issues
• build understanding of the diversity of communities within modern Britain
RE contributes significantly to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC) and supports the promotion of the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance.
Character & Arts Alignment
Religious Education contributes strongly to the Smallthorne Character & Arts curriculum, supporting pupils’ understanding of identity, culture and values.
RE contributes to the Character & Arts strands by enabling pupils to:
• Heritage – explore how religious beliefs and traditions have shaped cultures and communities
• History – understand the historical development of religions and their influence on societies
• Performing & Expressive Arts – explore how religion is expressed through art, music, architecture and storytelling
• Sustainability – consider moral responsibility and ethical perspectives on caring for the world and others
• Enterprise – develop respectful dialogue, thoughtful discussion and critical thinking about beliefs and values
Through RE, pupils develop empathy, respect and an appreciation of the diversity of beliefs within society.
IMPLEMENTATION
Religious Education at Smallthorne Primary Academy is delivered through a structured and progressive curriculum from EYFS to Year 6, following the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.
This syllabus provides a clear framework that ensures pupils develop knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews across the primary years.
Curriculum Structure
The RE curriculum includes the study of the following religions:
• Christianity
• Islam
• Judaism
• Hinduism
• Sikhism
• Buddhism
These religions are studied in accordance with the requirements of the agreed syllabus.
Early Years Foundation Stage
Learning focuses primarily on Christianity, while also introducing pupils to a range of beliefs and cultural traditions.
Children begin to explore:
• celebrations and traditions
• stories and symbols
• similarities and differences between people
Key Stage 1
Pupils study:
• Christianity in depth
• one additional principal religion
Learning focuses on understanding key beliefs, festivals and practices.
Key Stage 2
Pupils study:
• Christianity in depth
• three additional principal religions
This allows pupils to develop a deeper understanding of religious beliefs, traditions and worldviews.
Teaching Approach
RE lessons encourage enquiry, discussion and reflection.
Pupils are supported to:
• ask thoughtful questions about beliefs and traditions
• explore religious stories, texts and symbols
• compare different religious perspectives
• reflect on their own ideas and experiences
Learning includes opportunities for discussion, creative work and reflection to help pupils develop understanding.
Respect and Inclusion
At Smallthorne Primary Academy, we recognise and value the diverse religious backgrounds and beliefs of our school community.
Teaching in RE:
• respects the beliefs and traditions of all pupils
• encourages open and respectful discussion
• promotes understanding between different cultures and faiths
Where possible, learning is enriched through first-hand experiences, such as exploring religious artefacts, stories and traditions.
IMPACT
By the time pupils leave Smallthorne Primary Academy, they will:
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of major world religions
• explain how beliefs influence people’s lives and behaviour
• show respect and tolerance for different beliefs and cultures
• reflect thoughtfully on moral and ethical questions
• understand the role of religion in shaping communities and societies
Measuring Impact
The impact of the RE curriculum is evaluated through:
• pupil discussions and reflective responses
• evidence of learning within RE work and activities
• pupil voice demonstrating understanding and respect for diversity
• curriculum monitoring and work scrutiny
Through RE, pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and empathy needed to live respectfully within a diverse society.
Religious Education helps pupils to understand the beliefs and values that shape the world around them and supports them in becoming thoughtful, respectful and informed members of modern Britain.