RE
Intent
In RE at Swinnow, we aim to expose pupils to a variety of religions, cultures, world views and practices from around the world to allow them to understand and develop their own individual beliefs and practices and build their cultural capital.
As a predominantly white, British school, we aim to develop our children’s curiosity and interest in the beliefs and cultures practised within our own communities as well as throughout the wider world. Our children are taught to be respectful and sensitive towards other people and their beliefs, cultures and philosophies through exploring their commonalities and differences. We provide a safe space where difficult questions can be asked and allow children to develop their own sense of self where they are encouraged to articulate their own personal beliefs, ideas, values and experiences while respecting the rights of others.
We will nurture development of SMSC and British Values. We will support children in developing their own spirituality. They will come to understand diversity and how world religions and other world views can influence who we become.
Implementation
RE is woven into the curriculum from 2-year-old provision throughout the EYFS. Opportunities are through hands on experiences, discussion, stories and through practitioners understanding of children’s experiences and backgrounds. RE is mainly delivered through the PSED and Understanding the World strands of the curriculum but all areas of the EYFS are relevant. Purposeful and meaningful activities are based on the Characteristics of Effective Learning.
As the children move into Reception through to KS1 and 2 they also begin to be taught through the ‘Believing and Belonging’ syllabus.
We believe the 'Believing and Belonging' syllabus offers an engaging and comprehensive framework for teaching about religion and worldviews. It also fosters tolerance, respect, empathy, and kindness within our cohort and local communities.
Our Religious Education (RE) curriculum and approach is structured around six key pathways:
- The Nature of Religion and Belief
- Expressing Belief
- A Good Life
- Personal Journey
- Influence and Authority
- The Big Picture
Our approach avoids assumptions about the religious backgrounds, beliefs, or values of children and staff. We celebrate the diversity of our school community, encouraging individuals to share their experiences freely. All religions and worldviews are approached with respect and sensitivity, fostering meaningful connections between home, school, and faith communities.
Impact
As the six pathways interweave through the KS1 and KS2 curriculum, prior learning is consistently revisited and built upon. Ongoing assessments are used to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching, while formal assessments of children’s progress, learning, and attainment are conducted through discussion, questioning and observation. These assessments are cross-referenced with the learning objectives and outcomes outlined in the Believing and Belonging scheme of work.
At Swinnow Primary, children enjoy exploring other religions and understanding why individuals choose to follow, or not follow, a religion. Through Religious Education (RE), they make connections between their own lives and the lives of others in their community and the wider world, fostering an appreciation for different cultures and ways of life. In today’s interconnected and dynamic world, RE serves as an essential subject, equipping pupils for the future by preparing them for employment, lifelong learning, and active citizenship.
RE enriches pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development by:
- Encouraging awareness of fundamental questions arising from human experiences and exploring how religious teachings address these questions.
- Guiding pupils to respond to such questions by examining religious and belief systems, and connecting these teachings to their own understanding and experiences.
- Promoting self-reflection on their personal beliefs, values, and experiences in light of their studies.
RE Documents
Believing and Belonging Syllabus
Key Stage 1 Long Term PlanningLower Key Stage 2 Long Term PlanningUpper Key Stage 2 Planning
Links to explore
https://no-outsiders.com/
https://www.educateagainsthate.com/