Religious Education 

Introduction and Vision

At William Ford, our Christian vision underpins everything we do:

Supporting pupils to be successful, healthy, fulfilled and empowered to make a difference - strengthened by the hope and example of God.

“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me.” – Psalm 25:4–5a (NIV)

Religious Education helps pupils become successful, healthy and fulfilled individuals who are empowered to make a positive difference in the world.

Successful

• Clear progression: The curriculum builds knowledge and skills from Year 3 to Year 6, ensuring pupils develop critical thinking and enquiry skills.
• Academic challenge: Exploring theology, philosophy and human/social sciences helps pupils reason, evaluate evidence and articulate ideas confidently.
• Preparation for life: Understanding diverse beliefs equips pupils for life in modern Britain and beyond.

 

Healthy

• Emotional well-being: RE encourages reflection on identity, belonging and purpose, supporting mental and emotional health.
• Spiritually heal;thy - respect and empathy: Learning about different faiths and worldviews fosters tolerance and positive relationships.

 

Fulfilled

• Spiritual growth: Opportunities for awe, wonder and big questions nurture pupils’ sense of meaning.
• Creative expression: Assessments include discussion, art and writing, allowing pupils to express themselves in varied ways.

 

Empowered to Make a Difference

• Social action links: Units connect to real-world issues (e.g., justice, stewardship, community care) inspiring pupils to act.
• Faith in action: Community month and other projects encourage pupils to live out values like compassion and responsibility.
• Community engagement: Visits, visitors and partnerships broaden horizons and show how beliefs shape positive change.

RE is a core subject in our Church of England school and sits at the heart of our curriculum. It nurtures pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development and promotes respect for people of all faiths and worldviews. Through RE, pupils learn to think deeply, ask big questions and appreciate diversity in our global community.

 

Curriculum Information

Our RE curriculum follows the Barking and Dagenham Agreed Syllabus and meets the Church of England Statement of Entitlement for RE.

At least 50% of curriculum time focuses on Christianity, taught as a global and diverse faith. The remainder explores major world religions and non-religious worldviews.

Units are 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?

Learning builds cumulatively from Year 3 to Year 6, revisiting key concepts and deepening understanding each year.

 

Assessment and Progression

We assess RE through:

• End-of-unit tasks, discussion, written reflection and creative outcomes.
• Tracking progress in knowledge, skills, and attitudes, not just factual recall.
• Assessment informs planning and helps pupils understand what progress looks like in RE.

 

Enrichment and Wider Opportunities

RE learning is enriched through:

• Visits to places of worship such as churches and synagogues.
• Visitors representing different faiths and worldviews.
• RE displays.
• Pupils also apply their learning through social action and community projects, living out our vision to make a difference.

 

Staff Development and Leadership

• Our RE subject leader is supported through diocesan and local authority CPD.
• All staff receive guidance, planning support and professional development to ensure high-quality RE teaching.
• Leadership monitors the subject through work scrutiny, pupil voice, and discussion.

 

Monitoring and Evaluation

We regularly review standards and pupil engagement through:

• Book looks, pupil interviews and staff discussions.
• Governor monitoring and feedback.