At Shirehampton Primary School, Religious Education gives children opportunities to explore different religions and worldviews and to consider some of the important questions people ask about life, beliefs, values and belonging.

We use Jigsaw RE to support the teaching of a progressive and engaging RE curriculum.

Through RE, children develop their knowledge and understanding of different religions and worldviews while learning to recognise similarities and differences, ask thoughtful questions and listen respectfully to the views and beliefs of others.

Our Vision for RE

We want children to develop curiosity about the world around them and an understanding and respect for the different beliefs, traditions and worldviews represented within our community and wider society.

Through RE, children are encouraged to:

• Develop knowledge and understanding of different religions and worldviews

• Explore beliefs, practices, traditions and ways of life

• Ask meaningful questions

• Consider different ideas and perspectives

• Explore religious stories, texts, celebrations, symbols and practices

• Recognise similarities and differences

• Reflect on their own ideas, experiences and values

• Listen respectfully to the views of others

• Develop their ability to explain and give reasons for their thinking

What Children Learn

In the Early Years, children begin to develop an awareness of themselves, others and the communities in which they live.

They explore similarities and differences between people, families, communities, celebrations and traditions and begin to recognise that people may have different beliefs and ways of life.

As children progress through the school, they develop their knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews.

Children explore beliefs, practices, celebrations, stories, symbols and ways of life while considering how these may influence individuals and communities.

Their learning becomes increasingly sophisticated as they progress through school, with children encouraged to make connections, compare different perspectives, ask questions and explain their thinking.

How We Teach RE

We use Jigsaw RE to support the planning and teaching of Religious Education.

Learning is carefully sequenced so that children's knowledge and understanding develop progressively as they move through the school.

Lessons encourage children to explore religious and non-religious worldviews through a range of engaging learning experiences. These may include discussion, stories and texts, artefacts, creative activities, reflection, visitors and visits.

Children are encouraged to be curious and thoughtful, developing the confidence to ask questions and discuss different ideas within a respectful and inclusive environment.

 Religions & Worldviews

Throughout their time at Shirehampton, children encounter a range of religions and worldviews.

They learn that beliefs and practices can vary both between and within religions and that people's individual experiences of faith and belief may be different.

Children are encouraged to explore these differences respectfully and to recognise the religious and cultural diversity of their local community and wider society.

Enquiry & Reflection

An important part of RE is giving children opportunities to think deeply and ask questions.

Children are encouraged to explore different responses to religious and philosophical questions, consider the views of others and develop their own thinking.

As they progress through school, children become increasingly confident in making connections, comparing different perspectives and explaining the reasons behind their ideas.

 RE Beyond the Classroom

Where possible, children's learning is enriched through opportunities to experience religion and belief beyond the classroom.

This may include visits to places of worship, visitors from different faith communities, exploring religious artefacts and taking part in learning connected to religious and cultural celebrations.

These experiences help children understand how religion and belief are lived and expressed within our local community and the wider world.

 How We Assess RE

Assessment in RE is ongoing and forms part of everyday teaching and learning.

Teachers consider children's developing knowledge and understanding, their ability to make connections and comparisons, the questions they ask and their ability to explain and reflect upon different ideas and perspectives.

Assessment helps teachers identify what children know and understand and informs future teaching and learning.

RE Curriculum & Progression

Our curriculum documents provide further information about what children learn in Religious Education and how their knowledge and understanding develop as they progress through the school.

📄 RE Curriculum Overview
📄 RE Progression of Knowledge & Skills