RE curriculum lead: Mrs K Buggy

At St Thomas’ CofE Academy, Religious Education (RE) plays a central role in nurturing pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Through RE, children are encouraged to explore life’s big questions, develop respect and understanding for others, and consider the beliefs, values and worldviews that shape our diverse society.

As a Church of England school, our RE curriculum is rooted in our Christian foundation and vision, whilst recognising and celebrating the rich diversity of religions and worldviews represented in modern Britain. Our curriculum follows the NATRE (National Association of Teachers of Religious Education) curriculum, alongside Understanding Christianity for our Christianity units, and is aligned with the locally agreed syllabus for Religious Education.

Our Approach to RE

Our RE curriculum is carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6, enabling children to build upon their knowledge and understanding as they progress through school. Learning is centred around thought-provoking big questions, encouraging pupils to be curious, make connections, discuss different viewpoints and reflect deeply on their learning.

Through Understanding Christianity, pupils develop a deeper understanding of Christian belief by exploring key theological concepts such as God, Creation, People of God, Incarnation, Gospel, Salvation and Kingdom of God. Children explore biblical texts and consider how Christian beliefs influence the lives and actions of Christians today.

Through NATRE, pupils also encounter and explore a range of religions and non-religious worldviews. Children learn about beliefs, practices and ways of living, while considering similarities, differences and the diversity that exists both between and within different communities.

Spirituality and Reflection

Spiritual development is woven throughout our RE curriculum. Children are regularly provided with opportunities to pause, ponder and reflect, considering their own thoughts, beliefs and experiences as well as those of others.

Our Pause & Ponder moments encourage children to think beyond the immediate lesson, explore deeper questions and make connections between their learning, themselves, others, the world and beyond.

Through respectful discussion and enquiry, children learn that people may hold different beliefs and perspectives and that these should be explored with curiosity, sensitivity and respect.

Our Aim

Through RE, we aim for every child to leave St Thomas’ with a secure knowledge and understanding of Christianity and a range of religions and worldviews. We want our pupils to be thoughtful, curious and respectful, confident in asking challenging questions and able to engage positively with people whose beliefs and experiences may be different from their own.

Above all, our RE curriculum supports our Christian vision:

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10

We want RE to provide opportunities for every child to explore, question, reflect and flourish, preparing them to live respectfully and compassionately in our diverse world.