Religious Education Curriculum

Intent

At Benhurst Primary School, it is our intent for the Religious Education element of our school curriculum to engage, inspire, challenge and encourage pupils. The content of our Religious Education curriculum covers a wide range of world religions, with pupils revisiting them different religions in later year groups. This provides pupils with the opportunity to explore different religious beliefs, values and traditions and develop a more rigorous understanding of the numerous religious traditions, beliefs and practices that are followed in our multicultural society.

At Benhurst Primary School our Core Values are embedded in all we do, each one plays a fundamental role in shaping our pupils. The Core Values are weaved into our Religious Education Curriculum in a range of different ways. Our Curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to develop resilient attitudes and values and to reflect and relate their learning in RE to their own experience. Pupils are encouraged to be courageous with the questions they ask and to develop the knowledge and skills to answer challenging questions.

A core principle of RE, and indeed of British democracy, is that of respect for the rights of all people to hold and express their own beliefs and opinions. At Benhurst we foster a learning environment that encompass these principles, supporting pupils to feel comfortable in sharing their own beliefs and opinions and ensuring they are met with respectful and compassionate responses.

We use floor books in Religious Education to organise and collate pupils’ thinking and evidence learning. This is beneficial because it allows us to focus on what the pupils find valuable, meaningful and interesting. It also removes the restrictions that can come with recording learning, enabling the children to be creative and ambitious.

At Benhurst Primary School, we are committed to providing our children with an exciting and positive learning environment, in which they have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of religions while contributing to their spiritual, moral social and cultural development. We want our pupils to know how religious education promotes discernment and enables pupils to combat prejudice, preparing them for adult life, employment and life-long learning.

Implementation at Benhurst

At Benhurst, our Religious Education (R.E.) curriculum is structured to follow the SACRE scheme of work and Pathways by Havering, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. Teachers will plan their lessons according to the specific units outlined for each half term, fostering a cohesive approach across the school.

• Whole School Approach: R.E. will be taught discretely, ensuring that it receives the focused attention it deserves within the curriculum.
• Building on Prior Learning: Lessons will be designed to build on prior knowledge, progressively developing pupils’ skills and understanding from year to year.
• Themes: Every unit starts with a Big Question, where lessons are then built around so that children can express their belief and understand and explore different identities.  Different religions are explored and taught when covering festivals, holy places, beliefs, allowing children to make comparisons across religions
• Christianity Focus: All year groups will explore Christianity while integrating the learnings from previous years to deepen their understanding.

In addition to these foundational elements:

• The R.E. subject leader will receive ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance their own subject knowledge and skills. This ensures they can effectively support curriculum development and guide their colleagues throughout the school.
• Assessment in R.E. will align with our whole school feedback policy, enabling teachers to monitor and evaluate progress and attainment effectively.

Impact

The impact of our R.E. curriculum at Benhurst is profound and far-reaching:

• Cultural Awareness: Pupils will develop a stronger consciousness of the world around them, cultivating an appreciation for the diverse beliefs of others. This fosters a sense of compassion and empathy.
• Individual Value: Every child will feel valued as an individual, with their beliefs respected and celebrated within the school community. This sense of belonging is crucial for building confidence.
• Creative Engagement: Enjoyment of the R.E. curriculum will stimulate creativity, encouraging pupils to express their thoughts and ideas freely. This, in turn, nurtures their inquisitive minds and fuels a desire for success.
• Safe Learning Environment: Children will feel secure in sharing their beliefs and learning new concepts in an accepting atmosphere, empowering them with the courage to explore and question.
• Community and Lifelong Learning: By the time they leave Benhurst, pupils will carry with them a strong sense of belonging to a close-knit community. They will possess the confidence and skills to make informed choices, engage in self-evaluation, form meaningful connections, and embrace their journey as lifelong learners.

At Benhurst, we strive to create an enriching R.E. curriculum that not only educates but also transforms our pupils into thoughtful, respectful, and compassionate individuals ready to navigate and contribute positively to the world around them.

Year Group Overview

Documents