Why we teach Religious Education (RE)

At Lings Primary School, we believe our children should have a knowledge and understanding of a range of both religious and non-religious beliefs, practices and worldviews. The teaching of RE allows children to learn about the different members and faiths of our rich and diverse community. It helps them recognise and appreciate different ways of life and viewpoints that may be different to their own and helps them to become tolerant members of society. The RE curriculum is designed to support positive attitudes and values, as well as encouraging children to reflect and relate learning to their own experience. Children learn that there are those who do not hold religious beliefs and have their own philosophical perspectives on life.

How do we teach Religious Education

RE is taught once a week throughout the school year. In Key Stage 1, lessons are 45-60 minutes long. In Key Stage 2, lessons are 60 minutes long.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), RE is primarily focused on developing children's understanding of the world and their place within it, including exploring different beliefs, practices, and values. It's integrated into the "Understanding the World" area of learning and development within the EYFS framework. 

In Key Stage 1 and 2, we use the NPAT-written curriculum, which is based around and informed by the local Standing Advisory Group for Religious Education (SACRE) to teach a wide range of RE topics. SACRE is the group that creates the RE syllabus for schools in North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire. A link to more information about this is here.

During Key Stage 1, children will explore and develop their knowledge and understanding of beliefs and practices of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. They will be encouraged to raise questions and begin to express their own views and ideas in response to the material they learn about.

During Key Stage 2, children are given the opportunity make connections between their knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the religious traditions and beliefs in Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism, as well as those of no religious faith, including Humanism.  

Knowledge and skills are mapped progressively to support children’s understanding of religion and faith. As children progress through the programme of study, they can look more deeply into spiritual, ethical, moral and social issues and with increasing breadth across different religions and worldviews through time and around the world. Learning is planned and sequenced to support pupils in building an ever-increasing picture over time, constantly building their knowledge and understanding of key subject knowledge and subject-specific vocabulary.

We believe it is important to support the teaching and learning of RE in the classroom with first-hand experiences, including visits to local places of worship and visits from faith communities.

Withdrawal from RE

RE is for all pupils in all schools. Every pupil has a legal entitlement to RE. It must be provided for all registered pupils in state-funded schools in England, unless withdrawn by parents.

In the UK, parents have the right to withdraw their children from RE on the grounds that they wish to make their own provision. The alternative is the responsibility of the parent. Parents can withdraw their child from all or part of RE without giving explanation.

If a request for withdrawal is made, then this should be done in writing. Opportunity will be given to discuss the request so that it can be properly understood if the parent wishes to do so. It is good practice to discuss requests as it helps understand the reasons for withdrawal, but parents are not obliged to do so.

If a pupil is withdrawn, the school has a duty of care to look after them, but not to provide alternative education. This time cannot be used for other curriculum subject areas.

As a school, we value the learning opportunities that RE provides as it promotes religious literacy, cultural diversity and the social development of children.

We are happy to discuss the learning that takes place in RE should you wish to do so. Copies of our long-term map for RE can be found on this website.

Subject Documents