R.E.

Religious Education (R.E.)

Intent Statement

By the time our pupils leave Year 6, they will be thoughtful, respectful and reflective learners with a secure understanding of Christianity as a living world faith, alongside knowledge of a range of other religions and worldviews. They will explore key concepts such as belief, authority, identity, community, worship and celebration, engaging with the Questful RE elements of making sense of beliefs, understanding impact and making connections. Pupils will use religious vocabulary accurately, interpret sources and consider how beliefs influence lives.

Through encountering diverse perspectives, pupils will develop respect, empathy and an understanding of the world around them, while reflecting on their own beliefs and values within our Christian vision. By the end of Year 6, our pupils will see themselves as thoughtful individuals—equipped to engage with questions of meaning, purpose and faith in a diverse society.

Policy

The policy for this subject can be found on our main policy section of the website.

Church of England Entitlement Statement

CURRENT Statement of Entitlement - 2019
UPCOMING Statement of Entitlement - September 2026

Useful Websites

Content coming.

Subject Progression Documents

How can I help my child in this subject?

Religious Education helps children learn about different faiths and worldviews and also supports them to reflect on their own ideas, beliefs and values. It encourages curiosity, respect, kindness and thoughtful discussion. Families play an important role in helping children make sense of what they learn.

Helping children in the Infants (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)

You can help your child by:

  • Talking about special people, places and celebrations in your family and community.

  • Sharing stories from different faiths, including Bible stories if appropriate, and talking about what they mean.

  • Encouraging your child to ask questions about the world such as:

    • Why do people celebrate?

    • What makes something special?

    • How can we show kindness to others?

  • Visiting places of worship or quiet reflective spaces where possible.

  • Noticing and talking about symbols (for example crosses, candles, prayer mats, special clothing).

  • Supporting your child to learn that people believe different things and that this is something to respect.

  • Encouraging moments of wonder and reflection, such as noticing nature, thinking about big questions, or talking about what makes them feel thankful.

At this stage, children benefit most from stories, conversations, and noticing the world around them.

Helping children in the Lower Juniors (Year 3 and Year 4)

You can help your child by:

  • Talking together about religious stories and what they teach about how people live.

  • Encouraging your child to ask thoughtful questions such as:

    • Why do people believe different things?

    • What helps people decide what is right and wrong?

  • Discussing special festivals and traditions from different faiths.

  • Supporting respectful conversations about similarities and differences between religions.

  • Helping your child understand how beliefs influence actions, such as helping others, praying, worshipping or celebrating.

  • Encouraging your child to talk about their own thoughts and ideas, even if they are still developing them.

  • Creating opportunities for quiet reflection, gratitude or thinking time.

At this stage, children begin to compare beliefs and explore meaning more deeply.

Helping children in the Upper Juniors (Year 5 and Year 6)

You can help your child by:

  • Talking together about big questions about life, for example:

    • Why are we here?

    • What makes life meaningful?

    • How should people treat each other?

  • Encouraging respectful discussion about different viewpoints and beliefs.

  • Supporting your child to explain their own ideas clearly while listening carefully to others.

  • Exploring how faith can influence choices, values and behaviour in everyday life.

  • Discussing how people show commitment to their beliefs through worship, service, celebration and community life.

  • Encouraging your child to reflect on justice, fairness, kindness and responsibility in the world around them.

  • Making time for stillness, reflection and appreciation, helping them notice moments of awe, wonder and deeper thinking.

At this stage, children are learning to think carefully, reflect deeply and consider different perspectives respectfully.

Supporting your child’s spiritual development

Spiritual development is about helping children explore meaning, purpose, identity and connection with others and the world. You can support this by:

  • Talking about what your child is thankful for

  • Noticing moments of beauty, wonder or curiosity

  • Encouraging thoughtful questions

  • Making space for quiet reflection

  • Talking about values such as kindness, forgiveness, courage and hope

  • Listening carefully to your child’s ideas and questions

These experiences help children grow as thoughtful, respectful and reflective learners.