Religious Education

Subject Overview

Intent

At Sidlesham Primary School, our Religious Education curriculum is designed to develop thoughtful, respectful and open-minded learners. We want children to explore big questions about life, beliefs, meaning and morality — and to reflect on their own values and the views of others.

Through a progressive curriculum built around religious and non-religious worldviews, pupils explore how belief systems are lived out in local, national and global contexts. Our aim is to help children understand and respect diversity, build empathy, and consider their own place in the world.

Our curriculum reflects the requirement that teaching in RE recognises that the main religious tradition in Great Britain is Christianity, while also taking into account the other principal religions represented in the country. It is rooted in the aims of A Curriculum Framework for Religious Education in England.

Implementation

• We follow the Kapow Primary Religion and Worldviews scheme, which uses a spiral curriculum model. This means key concepts are revisited and deepened over time.

• Lessons are taught through six units each year, following a three-year rolling cycle to support our mixed-age classes.

• RE is planned with clear learning objectives, key vocabulary and engaging activities that encourage discussion, creativity and reflection.

• In EYFS, topics are based on concepts familiar to the children’s own lives and experiences.

• In Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils explore both religious and non-religious worldviews, considering identity, beliefs, ethics and the impact of faith on daily life.

• Children are encouraged to ask questions, express opinions, and connect what they learn to their own experiences and the world around them.

Impact

By the end of Key Stage 2, children at Sidlesham will:

• Demonstrate understanding of key concepts across a range of religious and non-religious worldviews.

• Ask thoughtful questions about beliefs, values and ethics — and reflect on their own responses.

• Show respect for others, including those with beliefs different from their own.

• Understand the impact of religion and worldviews on individuals, communities and society.

• Feel confident to discuss their own developing sense of identity, beliefs and values.

Teachers assess RE by referring to a clear progression of knowledge and skills. They track pupils’ progress and identify any who need additional support. Assessment outcomes are shared in annual reports to parents.

The subject is reviewed in depth once every three years, with planning, teaching and assessment monitored by the subject leader and overseen by the curriculum committee. Staff meetings and subject reviews ensure that learning aligns with progression expectations and continues to reflect the needs of our pupils and wider society.

Religious Education Knowledge Organisers