RE

Vision 

 

Religious Education holds a unique and essential place within our curriculum. It plays a vital role in supporting our young people to become inquisitive, reflective and mindful learners with appreciation for the diversity of religious and non-religious beliefs. Through RE, young people develop understanding and respect for their own beliefs and identities, while recognising and valuing the diverse cultures, religions and perspectives of others within their immediate, wider and worldwide community. We aim for every learner to understand that beliefs and values matter, and that these are deeply connected to community and lived experience.  

 

We want our young people to recognise that ‘nobody stands nowhere’ - everyone has a perspective, and every voice has meaning. 

 

Practice 

 

The building blocks for skills in RE are our young people’s growing awareness of themselves and others within their immediate community and the wider world. RE supports them to make choices, recognise and celebrate similarities and differences, and express their ideas through meaningful forms of communication. Learning approaches are creative and include stories, celebrations, art, design, music, play and symbols from their own cultures and others, using accessible, sensory and engaging approaches. This helps our young people explore belief and belonging, develop communication skills, and begin to understand their place in the world. 

 

Building on these skills, young people explore religion through the diversity of their community, developing awareness, empathy and respect for different beliefs and practices. Young people are immersed in the use of artefacts and clothing which sparks curiosity and meaningful reflection. 

In later phases of RE skills, students study world religions in greater depth, developing a layered understanding over time. They explore similarities and differences between beliefs, linking these to their own experiences and the wider world. Through RE we provide dedicated time to reflect, ask big questions and explore personal views alongside those of others, deepening understanding of how religion shapes society and culture. This gives young people skills to think critically, challenge their own thinking and engage in meaningful discussions. 

 

In later phases of RE skills, students study world religions in greater depth – with one of the six major world religions being the central focus each year - developing a layered understanding over time. They explore similarities and differences between beliefs, linking these to their own experiences and the wider world. Through RE we provide dedicated time to reflect, ask big questions and explore personal views alongside those of others, deepening understanding of how religion shapes society and culture. This gives young people skills to think critically, challenge their own thinking and engage in meaningful discussions. 

 

The difference RE makes 

 

Our Religious Education (RE) curriculum strengthens a sense of community within our school and the wider world through shared experiences, discussion and meaningful engagement with beliefs, cultures and traditions beyond Fairmead. 

 

Young people develop an understanding of the important relationship between culture and religion, exploring how beliefs and cultural traditions can shape identity, values and ways of life. They consider how individual beliefs can influence daily life, choices, relationships and experiences, while recognising that people within the same religion may express and practise their beliefs in different ways. 

 

Through RE, young people develop an appreciation of diversity and learn to approach others with respect, empathy and understanding. By learning alongside and engaging with people whose beliefs and experiences may differ from their own, they develop a strong sense of belonging and the skills and attitudes needed to participate positively in the diverse communities they will encounter throughout their adult lives. 

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Religious Education (RE) forms part of the curriculum for young people at our school and is provided in accordance with statutory requirements.

Parents/carers have the legal right to withdraw their child, either wholly or partly, from:

• Religious Education (RE) lessons; and/or

• Collective worship or assemblies of a religious character.

 

Parents/carers wishing to exercise this right are asked to contact the school in writing so that appropriate arrangements can be discussed.

The school will respect all such requests in accordance with the Education Act 1996 and related legislation.