Religious Education

Religious Education encourages children to explore beliefs, values and life’s big questions. Understanding different perspectives fosters respect and self-awareness. Our aim is to support children to be reflective, compassionate and thoughtful learners.

Intent

At Elmridge Primary School, our vision of “Unlocking potential, inspiring success, celebrating diversity” underpins our Religious Education (R.E.) curriculum. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every pupil, regardless of their background or individual needs, can flourish. Guided by our values of collaboration, challenge, and compassion, we strive to engage all pupils with a wide range of religious and non-religious worldviews.

The intent of our R.E. curriculum, built on Kapow’s comprehensive scheme of work, is to nurture critical thinkers who approach diverse religions and worldviews with openness and curiosity. We aim for pupils to gain a deep understanding of essential concepts, allowing them to forge meaningful connections across various beliefs. Our curriculum promotes critical thinking through thought-provoking questions, encouraging respect and appreciation for diversity while providing opportunities for personal reflection on their own beliefs.

Through a progressive curriculum that examines local, national, and global perspectives, pupils will build their conceptual knowledge of religions and worldviews. This approach fosters the development of essential disciplinary skills and enhances their understanding of their own positionality in relation to their learning. By revisiting key ‘big questions’ and building on prior knowledge, pupils will investigate how religion and worldviews manifest as lived experiences across different contexts. They will consider the societal impacts of these worldviews and engage in reflective practises to articulate their own personal beliefs.

Our R.E. curriculum not only cultivates critical thinking and respect for diversity but also aligns with our commitment to unlocking potential and celebrating the rich tapestry of beliefs that shape our world.

Peace Mala

As part of our vision to celebrate diversity, we are working towards the Peace Mala accreditation . Becoming a Peace Mala schools shows our passion and commitment for:

• Emphasising to young people their rights and those of others, and how these rights prevent bullying and all forms of prejudice.
• Stressing that how we behave in life affects everyone we meet and how an awareness of this can help create a better world.
• Advocating that learners will make wholesome changes locally and globally and become positive example to their peers.
• Promoting environmental sustainability, healthy eating, and respect for all animals and wildlife.
• Engaging learners in peace focused-activities which encourage conflict resolution.

Children learn about Peace Mala through school assemblies and activities. Children in KS2 also take part in Peace Mala lessons as part of our RE curriculum.

Extend your learning at home

• BBC KS1 Religious Education
• BBC KS2 Religious Education