Intent

At Higham, we are committed to providing pupils with a broad, balanced, and enriching Religious Education curriculum that enables them to develop knowledge and understanding of a range of religions, beliefs, and worldviews. Through this curriculum, pupils are encouraged to explore and express their own ideas and insights about the nature, significance, and impact of religion and belief systems in both local and global communities. Our RE curriculum provides meaningful opportunities for pupils to reflect on their learning and make connections to their own experiences, values, and beliefs. It supports pupils' personal development and wellbeing while promoting respect, empathy, and community cohesion. Through the study of diverse cultures, faiths, and worldviews, pupils develop positive attitudes towards people whose beliefs and experiences may differ from their own. We aim to ensure that all children understand the relevance of Religious Education in today's modern and diverse society, recognising how religion and beliefs continue to shape individuals, communities, and the wider world. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and mutual respect, our RE curriculum prepares pupils to become informed, thoughtful, and responsible citizens.

Implementation

The Religious Education (RE) curriculum is taught through the RE Today and NATRE schemes of work.  In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), RE is based on the concepts of special places, special people, special events and special books. Through these themes, children begin to develop an understanding of different beliefs, traditions and celebrations. In Key Stages 1 and 2, the curriculum is centred around exploring and responding to "Big Questions". This enquiry-based approach encourages pupils to make connections between different religions and their own experiences, promoting reflection, discussion and critical thinking. Throughout their time in school, children study a range of religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hindu Dharma. In EYFS and Key Stage 1, learning focuses primarily on religious celebrations and festivals. In Key Stage 2, pupils build upon this foundation by exploring religious rituals, beliefs and practices in greater depth. Humanism is also introduced in Key Stage 2, broadening pupils' understanding of different worldviews. Children are encouraged to think critically, ask questions and develop their own informed responses as each half-term's learning is driven by a central "Big Question". The Key Stage 2 curriculum supports a deeper understanding of religions through the study of key stories, teachings, events and artefacts, enabling pupils to appreciate both similarities and differences across faiths and worldviews.

Impact

We believe that using RE Today and the NATRE Scheme of Work as the foundation of our Religious Education curriculum will provide pupils with a secure understanding of the major religions and worldviews that shape modern Britain. Through this learning, pupils will develop an appreciation of how people from different faiths and beliefs can learn from one another and work together to foster community cohesion. Our curriculum promotes inquisitive minds, respect, tolerance, empathy and understanding of others, as well as self-awareness and reflection. Lessons are designed to enable pupils to produce high-quality work that demonstrates a deepening understanding of the world's major religions and beliefs. Pupils' knowledge and understanding will be evidenced through their use of subject-specific vocabulary, thoughtful explanations, respectful expression of opinions, engagement with and understanding of religious artefacts, and the confident presentation of their learning. Through Religious Education, pupils will be equipped to become informed, respectful and active members of a diverse society.