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. It is planned and delivered with the same importance as other areas of the curriculum. We follow the Wiltshire Agreed Syllabus, using Understanding Christianity and Discovery RE to provide a strong foundation in Christian teaching, and the RE Today materials to support learning about other faiths.

• Christianity forms 50% of our RE curriculum.

• Pupils also study Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and the non-religious worldview of Humanism.

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

• Practical, interactive, and creative activities help children explore challenging concepts in accessible ways.

• Whole school RE days provide opportunities for deep, immersive learning.

Our RE curriculum is inclusive and adapted to meet the needs of all learners, including pupils with SEND. Teachers ensure activities 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.

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.

• Governors play an active role in monitoring and reviewing RE provision.

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