Religious Education
Our Intent
At Herons Dale, Religious Education supports pupils to develop an understanding of themselves, other people and the diverse beliefs, values and traditions that make up our world. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, pupils explore religions, worldviews, celebrations and communities while developing respect, empathy and an appreciation of difference.
Our curriculum enables pupils to explore Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism through meaningful themes including belonging, celebration, special people, sacred places, leadership, prayer, community, festivals, caring for others and caring for the world. Pupils learn through stories, sensory experiences, artefacts, visits, discussion, role play and first-hand experiences that make learning relevant and engaging.
RE is an inclusive subject that supports communication, personal development and understanding of the wider world. Learning is carefully adapted to meet individual needs and encourages pupils to reflect on their own experiences while developing curiosity about the beliefs and traditions of others. Through Religious Education, we aim to develop pupils who are respectful, reflective and able to recognise the value of diversity within their communities and beyond.
How Religious Education Develops Across Our Pathways
Discoverers
Our youngest and most complex learners access RE through rich sensory experiences, play, stories and exploration of familiar people, celebrations and routines. Pupils explore themes such as belonging, helping others, light, feelings, celebration and family through sensory stories, music, food tasting, creative activities and shared experiences. The focus is on engagement, awareness, communication and developing connections with the people and communities around them.
Explorers
Pupils experience a range of religious and cultural traditions through practical activities, storytelling, celebrations and sensory exploration. They begin to recognise similarities and differences between people, communities and celebrations while exploring themes such as hope, belonging, leadership, reflection and special times. Learning focuses on participation, recognition and developing respect for others.
Adventurers and Voyagers
As pupils progress, they investigate religions and worldviews in greater depth through enquiry, discussion and comparison. They explore important celebrations, special books, religious leaders, prayer, belonging and community, whilst developing an understanding of how beliefs influence people’s lives. Pupils begin to use subject vocabulary and make connections between their own experiences and the beliefs of others.
Pioneers
Formal learners follow a structured and progressive RE curriculum that develops both substantive knowledge and reflection skills. Pupils investigate major world religions, sacred texts, places of worship, pilgrimage, festivals, influential religious figures and moral values. They explore similarities and differences between beliefs and traditions, reflect on important questions about identity and belonging, and communicate their understanding with increasing independence.
Navigators
Pupils in the Navigator cohort access Religious Education through a flexible combination of sensory, practical and more formal approaches matched to their developmental starting points and readiness. Stories, artefacts, celebrations, creative activities and visits help pupils explore beliefs and cultures in accessible ways. Teaching is carefully structured around pupils’ interests and supports communication, reflection, respect and understanding of others.
What Pupils Learn
Across the school, pupils learn to:
- explore a range of religions, beliefs and worldviews
- develop an understanding of themselves, their identity and their place within communities
- learn about religious festivals, celebrations and traditions
- investigate sacred books, stories and artefacts
- recognise the importance of belonging, family and community
- explore places of worship and why they are special to believers
- understand how beliefs can influence people’s lives and actions
- develop empathy, respect and appreciation of diversity
- communicate their understanding using increasingly ambitious vocabulary
- reflect on their own experiences, values and relationships with others
Cultural Capital and Enrichment
Religious Education plays a significant role in broadening pupils’ understanding of the diverse society in which they live. Through whole-school celebrations, assemblies, themed enrichment days, visitors, artefacts, food tasting, music, storytelling and visits to places of worship, pupils gain meaningful first-hand experiences of different faiths and cultures.
Pupils encounter a wide range of beliefs, traditions and celebrations including Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Hanukkah, Shabbat, Harvest, Passover, Holi and Baisakhi. They learn about communities locally, nationally and globally, helping them develop respect, tolerance and an appreciation of cultural diversity.
Preparing for Adulthood and British Values
Through Religious Education, pupils develop many of the skills and values needed for adult life. They learn to understand and respect people who may hold different beliefs, values and perspectives from their own. Opportunities to discuss belonging, kindness, community, responsibility and caring for others help pupils develop empathy and positive relationships.
RE also promotes communication, reflection, emotional literacy and understanding of the wider world. By exploring questions about identity, beliefs and community, pupils develop confidence in expressing their own views while respecting those of others. These experiences help prepare pupils to participate positively and respectfully within modern British society and their local communities.