RE

Vision Statement

Our Religious Education (RE) curriculum at Barwick-in-Elmet Church of England Primary School and Nursery is central to helping all pupils flourish and achieve their potential. Rooted in our Christian vision and values of love, peace and respect, RE enables pupils to understand that, as a Church of England school, He loved us first.

Through high-quality RE, we aim to nurture children who can think theologically, critically and ethically,

engage thoughtfully with Christianity as a living global faith, and participate confidently in respectful and informed conversations with people of different faiths and those of no religious belief. We want our pupils to develop curiosity, empathy, respect and wisdom as they explore questions of belief, meaning andpurpose in a diverse world.

Our Intent (What we do)

Our intention for Religious Education at Barwick-in-Elmet Church of England Primary School and Nursery is to provide a broad, balanced and ambitious RE curriculum that enables all pupils to develop secure knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other religions and non-religious worldviews.

We aim to ensure that all pupils:

 develop a deep understanding of Christianity as a diverse global living faith through critical

engagement with biblical texts

 gain knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews, appreciating their

diversity, continuity and change

 engage thoughtfully with challenging questions of meaning, purpose and belief

 understand the concept of religion and the influence beliefs have on individuals, communities and

societies

 explore and reflect on their own religious, spiritual and philosophical ideas in a respectful and

supportive environment

Personal reflection supports engagement and learning in RE; however, pupils’ personal beliefs or spiritual responses are not assessed. Assessment focuses instead on pupils’ developing substantive knowledge and disciplinary knowledge, enabling them to explain, reason, compare and make connections confidently and respectfully.

Our Implementation (How we do what we do)

Curriculum Design

RE is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that enables pupils to revisit core concepts and

ideas in increasing depth as they move through the school. Learning is structured around Big Questions, which encourage theological thinking, informed discussion and reflection.

The curriculum is informed by the Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education and Understanding

Christianity, ensuring progression, coherence and depth. These frameworks inform teachers’ professional judgements about pupils’ learning rather than acting as assessment checklists.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

In Nursery, RE is not statutory; however, children are immersed in learning about religion and worldviews through stories, celebrations, art, music and play. These experiences provide a foundation for future RE learning.

In Reception, children explore religious and non-religious worldviews through:

 special people, books, places and artefacts

 stories from the Bible and other traditions

 child-led and adult-guided provision

RE in EYFS supports development across the areas of learning, particularly Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and Understanding the World.

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

In KS1 and KS2, pupils receive:

 a minimum of 36 hours of RE per year in KS1

 a minimum of 45 hours of RE per year in KS2

Teaching focuses on developing both:

 substantive knowledge (beliefs, practices, concepts and vocabulary)

 disciplinary knowledge (questioning, reasoning, using evidence and making connections)

Whole-school RE days provide further opportunities to deepen understanding and enrich learning.

Our Impact (The result of what we do)

A high-quality RE curriculum ensures that by the time pupils leave Barwick-in-Elmet Church of England Primary School and Nursery, they:

 demonstrate secure and connected knowledge of Christianity and other religions and worldviews

 think theologically, critically and ethically, asking thoughtful questions and giving reasoned

explanations

 engage confidently and respectfully in discussions about belief, faith and worldview

 understand how beliefs influence the lives of individuals and communities in different contexts

 show dignity, respect and openness towards people of different faiths and none

 use accurate religious vocabulary and make connections across their learning over time

 reflect thoughtfully on questions of meaning and purpose without pressure to hold particular

beliefs

 live out the school’s Christian vision and values in their relationships and behaviour

 are well prepared to live and participate positively in a diverse and modern society

Through a consistent, inclusive and well-sequenced approach, pupils build and deepen their RE knowledge and understanding over time, enabling them to flourish academically, socially and spiritually.

RE Policy

RE Long Term Plan

RE Scheme of Work