Religious Education
Vision and Curriculum Approach
Religious Education sits at the heart of our curriculum and reflects our Christian vision:
Supporting pupils to be successful, healthy, fulfilled and empowered to make a difference – strengthened by the hope and example of God.
Psalm 25 reminds us that learning is a journey in which God guides and teaches us. RE helps pupils become successful, healthy and fulfilled individuals who are empowered to make a positive difference in the world. We use engaging approaches such as Mantle of the Expert to make learning purposeful and immersive, encouraging pupils to think deeply, ask big questions and appreciate diversity in our global community.
Our curriculum follows the Barking and Dagenham Agreed Syllabus and meets the Church of England Statement of Entitlement. At least half of curriculum time focuses on Christianity as a global and diverse faith, with the remainder exploring major world religions and non-religious worldviews. Learning is enquiry-based and structured around three strands:
- Theology – What do people believe?
- Philosophy – How do we make sense of life’s big questions?
- Human and Social Sciences – How does faith impact life and community?
You can view our full RE curriculum map by clicking here.
Progression Across Key Stage 2
Progression in Religious Education is carefully planned so that pupils revisit key concepts and deepen their understanding as they move through Key Stage 2. Each year builds on prior learning, allowing pupils to apply knowledge in more complex and challenging ways. For example, pupils first explore the theme of Creation in Year 3 by studying the biblical account and its significance for Christians. In Year 6, they revisit this concept through a more complex enquiry: Creation and Science: Conflicting or Complimentary? This structured approach ensures pupils develop critical thinking, respect for different viewpoints and the ability to engage thoughtfully with big questions.
Inclusion and Adaptations in RE
Religious Education is accessible for all pupils through strategies such as scaffolded tasks, visual supports and structured dialogue. Technology enhances learning, with iPads used for research and QR codes created to share pupils’ spoken explanations or role-play performances. Alternative methods of recording work, including audio, video and creative approaches like artwork or Lego, ensure every pupil can express ideas meaningfully and confidently.
Enrichment
Enrichment brings Religious Education to life through visits to places of worship, virtual tours and opportunities to meet people from a range of Christian traditions, other faiths and non-religious worldviews. Visitors share personal experiences and answer pupils’ questions, while creative projects and social action initiatives help pupils connect learning to real-world issues. These experiences deepen understanding, promote respect and reflect our vision to empower pupils to make a difference.
Christianity as a Global and Diverse Faith
Christianity is taught as a worldwide faith with rich diversity. Pupils explore how Christians worship in different cultures, learn about varied traditions and consider how beliefs influence lives across the globe. This helps pupils appreciate both unity and diversity within Christianity and understand its impact in different contexts.
Monitoring and Assessment
Assessment includes end-of-unit tasks, discussion, written reflection and creative outcomes. Teachers track progress in knowledge, skills and attitudes using standards aligned with the Barking and Dagenham Agreed Syllabus and diocesan expectations. Assessment informs planning, helping teachers identify gaps, adapt lessons and refine enquiry questions. Monitoring takes place through book looks, pupil voice and governor oversight, ensuring high standards and continuous improvement.
For more information please see our RE policy below.