Religious Education

Religious Education Vision Statement

“Religious education (RE) enables pupils to ponder big questions, develop curiosity and respectfully express personal ideas and beliefs with confidence. Pupils develop a secure understanding of Christian beliefs and practices and the overarching story of the Bible.” (SIAMS, January 2024) 

Intent

At St Peter’s C.E. Primary School, Religious Education (RE) is central to our Christian vision of “Unlocking the potential for everyone to flourish in the love of Christ.” Our intent is to provide a rich and balanced RE curriculum that inspires curiosity, deepens understanding, and nurtures respect for the beliefs of others. Through Questful RE, we aim to equip children with the knowledge and skills to explore life’s big questions, reflect on their own values, and make informed decisions.

As a Church of England school, 60% of our RE curriculum focuses on Christianity, enabling children to develop a secure understanding of the Bible, Christian traditions, and the impact of faith on individuals and communities. 40% of our curriculum explores world faiths, giving pupils the opportunity to learn from and about other major religions, fostering tolerance, respect, and global citizenship.

Implementation

• RE is taught weekly using the Questful RE scheme of work, ensuring progression of knowledge, skills and vocabulary across all key stages.
• Teachers use a range of creative approaches including discussion, drama, art, reflection, and enquiry-based learning to engage all learners.
• Christianity is taught in depth, alongside a broad study of world faiths such as Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. We also study the non-faith of humanism.
• Pupils are encouraged to explore theological, philosophical, and human questions, making connections between belief, practice, and their own experiences.
• Collective Worship and links with the local church community enrich the RE curriculum, embedding Christian values in daily school life.
• Visits to places of worship and visits from faith representatives provide authentic experiences that bring learning to life.
• Differentiation ensures that all pupils, including those with SEND, are supported and challenged appropriately.

Impact

• Pupils leave our school with a secure understanding of Christianity, knowledge of world faiths, and an appreciation of the diversity of belief in modern Britain.
• They demonstrate respect, empathy, and tolerance when discussing faith and worldview, contributing to their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.
• Pupil voice and work evidence show that children enjoy RE, engage with big questions, and can articulate their own beliefs and values while respecting those of others.
• By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are reflective, open-minded, and equipped with the skills to continue their journey of faith, belief, and enquiry in secondary education.
• RE contributes to the distinctively Christian ethos of our school and supports pupils in flourishing academically, spiritually, and personally.

Parents have the right to withdraw from RE lessons by written request to the Headteacher. If any withdrawals are made, children should be given other work and should not be involved in the lesson at all.  A list of withdrawals will be maintained by each class teacher and a whole school list will be available in the school office.  This is reviews and updated annually in September by the RE subject leader.