Our Vision for Religious Education (RE)

At this school, RE expresses and strengthens our vision, ethos and values which are at the heart of all we aim to achieve in every aspect of school life that offers human flourishing for all.  The importance placed on the development of the whole child spiritually, morally, culturally and intellectually is reflected in the RE curriculum we teach.

In our school, where pupils and staff come from different faiths or no faith, RE is a highly valued academic subject that enables understanding of how religion and beliefs affect our everyday lives, whether we are aware of it or not. There is a ‘commitment to a generous hospitality, being true to our underpinning faith but, with a deep respect for the integrity of other religious traditions (and worldviews) and for the freedom of each person.’ (Statement of Entitlement 2019)

RE provides opportunities for spiritual development and personal reflection. On a quest to discover more about religion and world views pupils will discover more about themselves.

As RE develops children’s knowledge and understanding of the nature of religion and belief, it provokes challenging questions about meaning and purpose, truth and values, identity and belonging. Pupils will experience, explore and encounter a wide range of creative and challenging multi-sensory activities that will help them to discover the answers to fundamental questions such as these:

• Who am I and what does it mean to be me?
• In what ways do/can I relate to others?
• How/where can I encounter God?
• How can I make a positive contribution to the world in which I live?
• What values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviour are important to me?
• What does it mean to have faith?
• Who/what influences and inspires me?

Through an open investigative enquiry approach the pupils will be given the sense of being on a quest of discovery. A key feature of the syllabus is the large number of questions included in each unit. The purpose of these questions is to give pupils opportunity to investigate, reflect, evaluate and make meaning. In doing so they will discover more about themselves, their relationships with others, their relationship with the world around them and their relationship with God. The questions set the route through the curriculum content.

The curriculum content is a balance of the three essential disciplines of quality RE, Theology, Philosophy and Social Science. This means pupils will look at concepts through a theological lens, exploring what people of faith believe. Alongside this pupils will explore questions and answers raised in relation to the lived reality and impact of religion and world views on people’s lives. They will also think like philosophers, and be equipped with the skills that will enable them to make sense of life’s experiences.

RE prepares children for citizenship in today’s diverse society. It enables them to develop sensitivity to, and respect for others. Through authentic encounters with living faith communities, pupils will develop diversity dexterity and be equipped with the ability to hold an informed conversation about religious beliefs and practices.

The Teaching and Learning of R.E:

We follow the ‘Questful RE’ syllabus which is a revision of the Blackburn Board of Education RE Syllabus, 2017.  Through its re-design, the RE syllabus we follow in school is in line with current best practice and pedagogical strategies.

The Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education says,

‘By embracing the explicit teaching of Christian concepts and God’s big salvation story, it is hoped that the content of this syllabus will give pupils a deeper understanding of Christianity. In addition, pupils explore all major world faiths and discuss world views where appropriate.

 So, just what is Questful RE?

Whoever we are, wherever we live, whether we are a person of faith or not, we all have a view on the world. Nobody stands nowhere.’

Click here to watch the ‘Nobody Stands Nowhere’ short film created by Emily Downe

The Right to Withdraw

The National Curriculum states that schools have to teach R.E. but parents can withdraw their children for all or part of lessons.  Pupils can choose to withdraw themselves once they have reached 18.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This right comes from the School Standards and Framework Act s.71

RE Policy

RE Statement of Entitlement for Church Schools