Rationale
At St Paul’s CE Primary School, Religious Education is central to our Christian vision and ethos. Rooted in our mission statement, “Together we Grow, Love to Learn and Shine – Make a Difference!”, RE plays a vital role in nurturing children spiritually, morally, socially and academically. Inspired by the words of Jeremiah 29:11, we believe that every child is uniquely valued by God and has the potential to flourish, develop confidence and make a positive contribution to the world around them.
As a Church of England school, we are committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming and nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore faith, ask deep questions and reflect thoughtfully on their own beliefs and experiences. Through Religious Education, pupils are supported to develop a secure understanding of Christianity as a living faith, while also learning about and respecting other world religions and worldviews. RE enables children to appreciate diversity, celebrate individuality and recognise the importance of compassion, justice and service within society.
Our RE curriculum is deeply rooted in the Christian values reflected through the Fruits of the Spirit: love, peace, self-control, forgiveness, kindness, goodness, joy, faithfulness and patience. These values are woven throughout teaching, relationships and wider school life, enabling pupils to grow in character and develop positive attitudes towards themselves and others.
At St Paul’s, Religious Education encourages children to become reflective, inquisitive and open-minded learners. Pupils are given opportunities to wonder, explore and engage with big questions about life, faith, meaning and purpose. Through discussion, reflection and enquiry-based learning, children develop critical thinking skills and learn to express their own views respectfully while valuing the perspectives of others.
We believe RE contributes significantly to children’s personal development and wellbeing. It supports pupils in understanding the importance of peaceful relationships, courageous advocacy and responsible citizenship within a diverse and ever-changing world. Through experiences such as visits to places of worship, engagement with clergy and faith visitors, collective worship, Picture News and interfaith learning, children are encouraged to see themselves as active members of both their local and global communities.
At the heart of Religious Education at St Paul’s is our desire for every child to flourish academically, spiritually and emotionally so they can truly “shine their light before others” and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Overview
At St Paul’s CE Primary School, Religious Education is at the heart of our school family and Christian vision. Through RE, children are encouraged to wonder, question, reflect and grow in understanding of both Christianity and other world faiths and worldviews. As a Church of England school, we follow the Manchester Diocese syllabus alongside the Understanding Christianity programme, helping pupils develop respect, compassion and an appreciation of diversity.
Our RE curriculum inspires children to think deeply about faith, values and the world around them, while supporting their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. We want every child to feel valued, included and confident to share their own thoughts and beliefs with kindness and respect.
Religious Education at St Paul’s extends beyond the classroom through:
- Visits to churches and other places of worship
- Experiences such as Experience Easter, Experience Pentecost and Experience Advent
- Contributions from clergy and faith visitors
- National Interfaith Week activities
- Collective worship and reflection opportunities
- Picture News discussions linked to global and moral issues
- Reflection books and class floor books to support personal spiritual journeys
Through Religious Education, we aim to nurture children who shine their light through love, kindness and courage, making a positive difference within their community and the wider world.
Intent
At St Paul’s CE Primary School, Religious Education is at the heart of our Christian vision:
“Together we Grow, Love to Learn and Shine – Make a Difference!”
Rooted in our belief that “We are all Children of God”, RE enables our children to flourish spiritually, morally, socially and academically. Guided by our school vision and Christian values, we aim to nurture confident, compassionate and reflective learners who respect diversity and understand their role within both the local and wider world.
Through the teaching of Christianity and other world faiths and worldviews, pupils are encouraged to ask deep questions, think critically and develop their own beliefs and values with openness and respect. Our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, promote courageous advocacy and develop understanding of how faith and beliefs shape people’s lives.
At St Paul’s, RE supports children in living life in all its fullness by helping them to:
- develop a sense of wonder, awe and reflection;
- understand Christian teachings and values;
- respect and appreciate different faiths, cultures and worldviews;
- build empathy, kindness and resilience;
- recognise their responsibility to “shine their light” and make a positive difference in the world.
Implementation
RE at St Paul’s is taught through the Manchester Diocesan syllabus, incorporating the Understanding Christianity scheme of work. Lessons are carefully planned to ensure progression in knowledge, vocabulary, enquiry and reflection across all year groups, including EYFS.
Our teaching approach includes:
- high-quality, inclusive teaching adapted to meet the needs of all learners;
- opportunities for discussion, questioning, reflection and critical thinking;
- exploration of Christianity as a living faith alongside learning about other major world religions and worldviews;
- the use of metacognitive strategies, key questions and “The Big Frieze” Bible timeline to deepen understanding and support long-term memory;
- reflection books and floor books to capture children’s thoughts, responses and spiritual journey;
- links with collective worship, Picture News, P4C and SMSC development;
- experiences with clergy, visitors, church visits and interfaith learning opportunities.
Our RE curriculum is rooted in the Fruits of the Spirit and promotes the Christian values of love, peace, forgiveness, kindness, joy, patience, goodness, faithfulness and self-control throughout school life.
Teachers foster an environment where children feel safe to express ideas respectfully, explore beliefs openly and develop appreciation and understanding of others.
Impact
The impact of Religious Education at St Paul’s can be seen in the way our pupils grow as reflective, respectful and compassionate individuals who embody our Christian vision and values.
Children leave St Paul’s with:
- a secure understanding of Christianity and awareness of other faiths and worldviews;
- the ability to ask thoughtful questions and express their own beliefs respectfully;
- strong skills of enquiry, reflection and critical thinking;
- an appreciation of diversity and inclusion within modern Britain and the wider world;
- confidence to make positive choices and contribute to their communities;
- a developing sense of spirituality and personal identity.
Pupils demonstrate kindness, empathy and respect towards others and understand how they can “let their light shine” through their actions and relationships.
Assessment in RE is ongoing through discussion, reflection, floor books, pupil voice and teacher assessment, ensuring teaching is responsive and supports all children to flourish and achieve their potential.
