Religious Education (RE)

Subject Lead by: Miss Garner

The Nature of Religious Education

"...must reflect...the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, while taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain."
(RE Review, 2013, p15)

Religious Education holds a vital place in the curriculum of all schools. As outlined in the Telford & Wrekin Agreed Syllabus, RE provides a safe space for children to explore beliefs, cultures, diversity, and relationships, helping them understand themselves and others more deeply.

Curriculum Intent

We believe Religious Education plays a key role in helping children engage with the wider world and develop important skills in self-expression, empathy, and communication.

Our RE curriculum is designed to:

• Foster children’s natural sense of wonder and curiosity about the world in which they live

• Inspire children to ask thoughtful questions and share responses to what they see, hear, feel, and experience

• Promote inclusivity, respect, and understanding of diverse cultures, faiths, and worldviews

• Support children to become informed, respectful citizens who value diversity and celebrate difference

• Develop decision-making skills and provide emotional reassurance through exploring meaningful themes and ideas

Our curriculum supports children in gaining both:

• Substantive knowledge – understanding key beliefs, stories, practices, and festivals of world religions and non-religious worldviews

• Disciplinary knowledge – how to explore, question, interpret, and reflect on religious and non-religious ideas

The curriculum is planned so that children have:

• Opportunities to play, explore, and engage in hands-on learning

• Time to reflect on their own experiences and talk about their thoughts and beliefs in a safe, supportive environment

• Access to inspiring curriculum topics that encourage them to know more and remember more about faiths and worldviews

Curriculum Implementation

To ensure high-quality RE provision, we:

• Deliver a well-sequenced and structured curriculum with clear progression and defined end points

• Break down learning into manageable components to support long-term knowledge retention

• Make deliberate pedagogical choices to build both practical and theoretical understanding

• Adapt teaching to match children’s levels of experience and prior knowledge

• Use classroom activities that clearly support curriculum objectives and allow time for practising key skills

• Direct children’s attention to the main concepts and themes within each unit of work

• Embed subject-specific vocabulary into planning and teaching, helping children develop a strong religious and cultural language

• Ensure that educational visits and experiences are meaningful by preparing children with the relevant background knowledge

• Make inclusive adaptations for SEND pupils, ensuring access and success without lowering expectations

• Provide time for children to develop socially, collaborate with peers, and learn how to negotiate ideas respectfully

Please click the links below to access key Religious Education documents: