Religous Education (R.E.)

What are we aiming for?

At Forsbrook Church of England Primary School, Religious Education (RE) is at the heart of our curriculum and plays a vital role in developing our distinctive Christian character. Rooted in our vision of ‘Learning, loving, laughing in the light of Jesus’ and inspired by Proverbs 22:6, we believe RE enables every child to flourish academically, spiritually, morally and socially.

Our curriculum invites pupils to encounter Christianity as a living, global and diverse faith, while developing an understanding of a range of other religions and worldviews. Through thoughtful enquiry, children explore life’s big questions, consider different perspectives and reflect on their own beliefs and values within a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment.

We aim for every child to:

• develop a secure understanding of Christianity as a living, global and diverse faith;
• gain knowledge and understanding of other major religions and non-religious worldviews;
• develop religious literacy by confidently using appropriate religious vocabulary and understanding key beliefs, practices and traditions;
• think theologically by asking meaningful questions, interpreting religious texts and considering different viewpoints;
• appreciate the diversity that exists within and between faith communities;
• show empathy, respect and compassion towards people of all faiths and none;
• reflect on their own beliefs, values and spirituality while respecting the beliefs of others;
• become thoughtful, responsible citizens who value inclusion, justice and mutual respect.

How do we achieve this?

Religious Education is taught as a discrete subject each week and is a core part of our curriculum. As a voluntary controlled Church of England school, we follow the Staffordshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education, supported by Understanding Christianity and delivered through an enquiry-based approach.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure pupils develop both knowledge and understanding as they progress through school. Learning is organised through a combination of systematic units, where pupils study individual religions in depth, and thematic units, where they compare beliefs, practices and worldviews while exploring shared questions about life, faith and meaning.

Christianity is at the heart of our curriculum and makes up at least half of RE teaching. Through Understanding Christianity, pupils progressively explore the ‘Big Story of the Bible’, revisiting key theological concepts including:

• God
• Creation
• Fall
• People of God
• Incarnation
• Gospel
• Salvation
• Kingdom of God

As pupils move through school, they deepen their understanding of these concepts by returning to them with increasing theological depth and maturity.

Alongside Christianity, pupils study:

• Judaism
• Islam
• Hindu Dharma
• Buddhism
• Humanism and non-religious worldviews

Learning is built around carefully planned enquiry questions that encourage pupils to investigate beliefs, interpret religious texts, consider different viewpoints, make connections and express their own reasoned responses with confidence and respect.

Children experience RE through a wide range of engaging opportunities including:

• theological enquiry and discussion;
• Bible stories and other sacred texts;
• visitors from different faith communities;
• visits to places of worship;
• artefacts, artwork and music;
• opportunities for reflection and spiritual development;
• cross-curricular links with subjects such as History, Geography, Art, English and PSHE.

Throughout the curriculum, pupils encounter authentic lived experiences from diverse communities, helping them understand that there is diversity within religions as well as between them.

What difference is this making to our pupils?

Our Religious Education curriculum equips children with the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to flourish in a diverse and changing world.

Pupils develop strong religious literacy and become increasingly confident in discussing beliefs, values and traditions using appropriate vocabulary. They learn to think critically, ask thoughtful questions and engage respectfully with different viewpoints through theological enquiry and reflection.

Children leave Forsbrook with a secure understanding of Christianity alongside an appreciation of other religions and non-religious worldviews. They recognise that faith is expressed in many different ways across communities and cultures and understand the importance of respecting different beliefs while developing their own informed views.

Through Religious Education, pupils deepen their own spiritual awareness, reflect on life’s big questions and develop the confidence to express their own beliefs with sensitivity and respect. They become compassionate, respectful and informed young people who are well prepared to contribute positively to modern Britain and the wider world, living well alongside people of all faiths and none.

Pupil’s Voice

“We have a respect of all beliefs faiths and we need to respect the opinion of opinions.” —KS2 Child

“We enjoy R.E. because it helps us to reflect upon our own lives and the lives of others.” —KS2 Child

“I like exploring different places of worship and the meaning of these religions.” —KS1 Child