Religious Education

Intent

At St Barnabas Church of England Primary School, Religious Education is rooted in our vision of Learn, Grow, Love and guided by the words of Jesus in John 15:12:
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

Our aim is for every child to grow in knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other principal world religions represented in Great Britain. We want pupils to see how religious beliefs can shape lives and actions, to make informed and reasoned judgements about moral and spiritual questions, and to reflect on their own values and identity.

Our RE curriculum is ambitious for all, aiming to engage, inspire, challenge, and encourage pupils to:

• explore religious and non religious worldviews, traditions, and practices,

• deepen their understanding of Christianity as a living faith,

• develop spiritual, moral, social, and cultural awareness,

• promote respect, tolerance, and open mindedness towards those of all faiths and none.

The two key aims of RE are:

• Attainment Target 1 – Learning about religion and belief

• Attainment Target 2 – Learning from religion and belief

Together, these help children make sense of faith, belief, and identity in today’s world.

Implementation

Religious Education is taught weekly in every year group as a core subject and is planned and delivered with the same importance as other areas of the curriculum.

We follow The Emmanuel Project as our sole Religious Education programme. This provides a carefully sequenced, enquiry based approach to RE, firmly rooted in Christian theology while enabling pupils to explore a wide range of world religions and worldviews.

Christianity forms the central thread of our RE curriculum, reflecting our identity as a Church of England school. Alongside this, pupils also learn about Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and the non religious worldview of Humanism.

RE is taught through big questions and thoughtful enquiry, encouraging reflection, discussion, and critical thinking.

Practical, interactive, and creative activities support pupils in exploring complex ideas in accessible and meaningful ways.

Whole school RE days provide opportunities for deep, immersive learning and shared experiences.

Our RE curriculum is inclusive and adapted to meet the needs of all learners, including pupils with SEND. Teachers ensure lessons are accessible, engaging, and provide opportunities for every child to succeed.

Worship and RE are closely connected, with themes often linking to British values, PSHE, and collective worship. In this way, RE contributes directly to the Christian ethos and inclusive identity of St Barnabas.

In line with the law, parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education (RE). While our academy seeks to provide an inclusive and broad RE curriculum that encourages respect, understanding and reflection, we recognise and respect this right.

If you wish to exercise this right, we ask that you contact the Headteacher in writing to discuss your request. This allows us to understand your wishes and to ensure appropriate alternative arrangements can be made for your child.

Impact

Through Religious Education at St Barnabas, pupils:

• enjoy learning about Christianity and other world religions,

• make connections between their own lives and those of others in their community and the wider world,

• develop respect and understanding for people of all faiths and none,

• grow in enquiry, reflection, empathy, and expression,

• ask and explore big questions about life, faith, morality, and what it means to be human.

Assessment in RE is ongoing and meaningful:

Teachers assess knowledge, depth of understanding, and critical thinking at the end of each enquiry.

Judgements are based on written work, discussion, vocabulary use, recall, and contribution in lessons.

Progress is tracked termly by staff and reviewed by the Subject Leader, who also carries out learning walks, book looks, and pupil interviews.

Ultimately, RE at St Barnabas enables children to grow in their understanding of faith, belief, and identity, and to live out Jesus’ command to love one another.