Heathcote Primary School

RE has an important part to play as part of a broad, balanced and coherent curriculum to which all pupils are entitled. RE subject matter gives particular opportunities to promote an ethos of respect for others, to challenge stereotypes and to build understanding of other cultures and beliefs. This contributes to promoting a positive and inclusive school ethos that champions democratic values and human rights.

Religious education for children and young people:

Provokes challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs, the self, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human. It develops pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal religions, and religious traditions that examine these questions, fostering personal reflection and spiritual development.
Encourages pupils to explore their own beliefs (whether they are religious or non-religious) in the light of what they learn. As they examine issues of religious belief and faith and how these impact on personal, institutional and social ethics, they express their responses, thereby building resilience to anti-democratic or extremist narratives.
Enables pupils to build their sense of identity and belonging which helps them flourish within their communities and as citizens in a diverse society.
Teaches pupils to develop respect for others including people with different faiths and beliefs, and helps to challenge prejudice.
Prompts pupils to consider their responsibilities to themselves and others, and to explore how they might contribute to their communities and to wider society. It encourages empathy, generosity and compassion.

Intent

At Heathcote Primary, we believe it is important that all of our pupils to learn from different religions, beliefs, values and traditions while exploring their own beliefs and questions of meaning. The aim of Religious Education in our school is to provide children with the opportunity to share their experiences and to listen to the ideas of others without making judgements. We base our teaching and learning style in RE on the key principle that good teaching in RE allows children both to learn about religious traditions and to reflect on what the religious ideas and concepts mean to them. Our teaching enables children to extend their own sense of values, and promotes their spiritual growth and development.

Our pupils learn that there are many religions represented in Great Britain and that they can develop their own views as believers or nonbelievers. Our curriculum has been developed with the belief that Religious Education should play a central role in the promotion of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils and should provide a context for all pupils to learn what it is to become an active citizen. We encourage children to think about their own views and values in relation to the themes and topics studied. Our teaching and learning styles in RE enable children to build on their own experiences and to extend their knowledge and understanding of religious traditions. Through the teaching of Religious Education, we also give our children the experience to visit different places of worship and also invite leaders of different faiths to visit our school.

Implementation

Until February 2026, we are following the Jigsaw RE Scheme.

From February 2026, we will be following the NATRE Primary RE scheme.

The Jigsaw RE is an enquiry-based scheme of work, covering the principal world faiths and humanism in a progressive way from Reception to Year 6. In the early years, the learning is closely matched to Development Matters to contribute meaningfully to your child’s holistic development. Throughout all the enquiries, the children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is carefully considered.

Similarly, the NATRE Primary RE scheme of work is also an enquiry-based scheme of work. This scheme teaches children using the world views approach. The worldviews approach in Religious Education helps pupils understand that people make sense of life in many different ways, including through religious and non-religious beliefs. Rather than treating religions as fixed lists of facts, this approach explores how beliefs, values and practices shape how individuals and communities see the world and live their lives. Pupils learn that there is diversity within religions, as well as similarities and differences between religious and non-religious worldviews. This approach encourages respectful discussion, critical thinking and reflection, helping children to understand others better while also considering their own ideas and values.

With both schemes of work, learning is carefully planned to build knowledge and understanding over time, with lessons based around thoughtful questions that encourage pupils to explore beliefs, practices and values rather than simply memorising facts. Children learn about Christianity and other major world religions, as well as non-religious worldviews, helping them to understand and respect the diversity of the world around them. RE lessons also give pupils opportunities to reflect on their own ideas and experiences, supporting their personal development. Teachers regularly check children’s understanding to ensure good progress, and the overall approach promotes curiosity, respect and thoughtful discussion.

Each enquiry lasts for half a term and begins with a “big” question such as “What is the best way for a Christian/Jew/Muslim etc. to show commitment to God?” The children then start discussing the theme of the enquiry (in this case, commitment) from their own experience. Only when the children fully understand the concept they are considering, do they then move on to investigating what the people following the studied religion or worldview believe about it. Towards the end of the unit, children will complete an activity which can assess their learning, by answering their “big” question. The assessment activities are child friendly and can be answered in a variety of ways, as long as the child can justify their view with the knowledge they have gained throughout the enquiry. This demonstrates the level of critical thinking that the children can apply – a valuable skill for them throughout the school curriculum.

Principles of Teaching and Learning in RE at Heathcote include:

The scheme of work for RE maintains a balance between Learning about Religions and Learning from Religions.
There are clear learning outcomes for all units of work, based on the appropriate expectations as set out in the RE syllabus.
The scheme of work ensures that there is continuity and progression for pupils and opportunities for assessment in both attainment targets.
A range of teaching and learning activities ensure that pupils learn effectively and with interest.
Pupil progress and attainment in RE is tracked.
RE is be taught either as a discrete subject or as part of a cross curricular approach where appropriate.
A range of visitors are invited to support the teaching of RE, and where possible, there are planned visits to places of worship.

Impact

The children at Heathcote, enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose or choose not to follow a religion. Through our high-quality Religious Education curriculum, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world, developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life.

Children leave Heathcote with the knowledge that being informed about Religious Education is invaluable in our changing world to promote inclusivity and community cohesion. They will have developed a positive ethos within Heathcote Primary School and their community around them, demonstrating mutual understanding and respect.

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RE Enrichment Opportunities

We enjoyed a very busy and enriching Autumn term in RE. Throughout the term, we celebrated Harvest and Christmas with assemblies led by Reverend Rob, marked Diwali and Inter Faith Week as a whole school, and took part in many exciting activities in the lead-up to Christmas.

In October, we celebrated Diwali as a school. Children from Hawthorn Class came to school wearing wonderful traditional clothing and confidently visited each class to explain the importance of Diwali. They shared the story of Rama and Sita, discussed the significance of the festival, and talked about how they celebrate Diwali with their own families. The children across the school thoroughly enjoyed learning from their peers, particularly seeing the diyas and mehndi after hearing about their meaning. Throughout the week, pupils produced fantastic work inspired by Diwali, including sharing stories, creating rangoli patterns, and using a variety of materials such as chalk and coloured rice.

Inter Faith Week is a UK-wide initiative held each November that brings together people of different religions and beliefs, including those with no religious affiliation. It highlights how individuals from all faiths and belief backgrounds can work together, share common values, build a sense of belonging, and make a positive difference. It also provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and break down misunderstandings.

To celebrate Inter Faith Week 2025, children from different year groups worked collaboratively to learn about a religion they do not usually study in their RE lessons. They explored key beliefs, symbols, traditions, and places of worship, and shared their learning through creative outcomes such as artwork and poetry. The week encouraged pupils to show curiosity, respect, and understanding, and it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the diversity within our school community.

In December, children in Reception and Year 1 applied their learning about the Christmas story through their Nativity performances. They confidently communicated the key messages of the Christmas story through beautiful acting and joyful songs, making it a special experience for all involved.

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Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE)

We respect the rights of parents and guardians to make informed choices about their child's education. Under the Education Act, parents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education lessons if they feel it is in the best interest of their child. If you wish to exercise this right, please inform the school in writing, and we will ensure that alternative work is arranged for your child during RE lessons.

If you have any questions or need further clarification about this policy, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.