Religious Education

Religious Education

At Castle Primary School, Religious Education and World Views plays a vital role in developing informed, respectful and reflective global citizens. Through the study of Christianity and a range of religious and non-religious worldviews, pupils are encouraged to explore beliefs, values, identity, belonging, meaning and purpose.

Intent

Our curriculum is designed to nurture curiosity, deepen understanding and develop children’s ability to think critically about significant questions. Through enquiry, discussion and reflection, pupils learn about different faiths and worldviews while also considering their own beliefs, experiences and values.

In line with our school vision, we inspire courageous advocates and deep thinkers who celebrate the local while embracing the global. RE contributes significantly to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, helping them understand and respect diversity within modern Britain and the wider world. Through learning about different traditions, practices and perspectives, children develop empathy, respect and the skills needed to participate positively in a multicultural society.

Implementation

Our RE curriculum is aligned with the CLF Primary Citizens Curriculum and has been carefully adapted to meet the needs of our three-year rolling programme. Pupils engage with Christianity alongside a broad range of religions and worldviews, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma), Sikhism, Buddhism and Humanism.

Learning is organised through enquiry questions that encourage pupils to investigate, discuss and evaluate different beliefs and practices. Throughout their time at Castle Primary School, pupils revisit key concepts including:

• Special books and people
• Celebrations and festivals
• Creation
• Resurrection and incarnation
• Morals, ethics and beliefs
• Pilgrimages, journeys and places

These recurring themes allow children to build knowledge progressively and make connections between different religions and worldviews.

Oracy is a key component of RE lessons. Children are encouraged to ask questions, discuss differing viewpoints, justify opinions and respectfully challenge ideas. This helps develop confident communicators who can engage thoughtfully with complex issues.

To enrich learning, pupils explore artefacts, stories, sacred texts, celebrations and traditions from different faith communities. Where possible, learning is enhanced through visits, visitors and first-hand experiences that deepen understanding and bring religions and worldviews to life.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Castle Primary School, they will have developed a secure understanding of a range of religious and non-religious worldviews and the role they play in people’s lives.

Pupils will be able to:

• Explain key beliefs, practices and traditions from a range of religions and worldviews.
• Recognise similarities and differences within and between faith communities.
• Reflect thoughtfully on questions of meaning, purpose, identity and morality.
• Express their own views clearly and respectfully whilst valuing the perspectives of others.
• Use enquiry, discussion and critical thinking skills to investigate challenging questions.
• Demonstrate respect, empathy and understanding towards people whose beliefs may differ from their own.
• Through RE, children leave Castle Primary School equipped with the knowledge, understanding and values needed to thrive as respectful, informed and responsible citizens in an increasingly diverse world.