Religious Education Intent

Dignity, Community, Hope and Wisdom

'Journeying together with hope and aspiration'

Religious education at Parish is supported by the use of the Lincolnshire Diocesan Board of Education’s RE Primary Curriculum.  The Church of England’s national statement of entitlement (2019) states;

“Religious education in a Church school should enable every child to flourish and to live life in all its fullness. (John 10:10). It will help educate for dignity and respect encouraging all to live well together.”

As a core curriculum subject, we ensure that sufficient, dedicated time is given to teaching and learning RE.  It is supported and shaped by the LDBE RE Primary curriculum materials.

By using the LDBE RE Primary curriculum, our children learn through a religions and worldviews approach. Children engage with case studies, starting with people and learning how those people live, building knowledge of religions and worldviews through these experiences and developing their ways of knowing throughout (disciplinary knowledge).   

Learning is sequenced so new knowledge builds upon prior knowledge, and this is supported by retrieval based activities (connect) to ensure knowledge is embedded.  Key vocabulary is identified and specifically taught to support the acquisition of knowledge.  The vocabulary progression document supports the development of this over time. 

The characters of Theo the theologian, Livvy the social scientist and Sophie the philosopher help children to develop and use the key skills of disciplinary knowledge in Religious Education.  Through learning how each character approaches exploring a religion or worldview through a progressive approach, children will develop their understanding of ways of knowing.  Regular opportunities for resonance, to reflect and consider their own worldview over time are weaved throughout the curriculum. 

We recognise that developing spiritual capacities is also an important aspect of RE teaching and learning.  Our whole school agreed definition of spirituality helps us to plan experiences that facilitate spiritual development, as well as the weaving of resonance throughout the RE curriculum allowing children regular opportunities to develop their spiritual thinking.   

Through a curriculum rich in discussion and a passion for enquiry, we aim to support our pupils to be confident citizens of the future, who are able to contribute to a legacy with integrity and purpose.  Pupils will have opportunities to engage with and explore authentic religious material, including sacred texts.   We provide a safe space for discussion, allowing pupils opportunities to explore their own religious, spiritual and philosophical thinking through engaging with challenging questions of meaning and purpose raised by human existence and experience.  Through these experiences, we strive to help prepare pupils for life in modern Britain, enabling them to develop respect and sensitivity for others.