RE Curriculum
Our RE curriculum enables pupils to acquire a rich, deep knowledge and understanding of Christian belief and practice. This is done by following the Kent Agreed Syllabus, using the high-quality resources from Understanding Christianity. This approach engages with biblical text and theological ideas. Together, we explore core concepts of faith, asking questions and promoting positive dialogue.
Within the curriculum, a spiral progression builds on both the core concepts of Christianity and major world faiths, including Sikhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Islam. This allows the golden threads of common themes to be interwoven throughout all learning, both in RE and in the wider curriculum.
The RE curriculum is intrinsic to our Christian vision, supporting our Christian Foundations and Learning Values. RE provides a vast wealth of opportunities to explore British values and spiritual moral social and cultural issues and ideas. Within these moments, we are able to challenge stereotypes, prejudice and extremism, whilst providing a balanced and informed dialogue.
Pupils develop a wide range of skills including enquiry, analysis, interpretation, evaluation and reflection. We provide a safe space for them to explore their own religious and spiritual experiences, by holding a mirror to their actions and opening doors to take their learning further.
In order to see RE as a living subject, staff are encouraged to use trips and visitors to enrich the curriculum and offer children experiences which will foster their respect for others.
RE is an academic subject, delivered through theology, sociology and philosophy. As a church school, Christianity has at least 50% of the curriculum time. The teaching of RE is between 5 and 10% of the teaching week, however, the shape that this teaching takes can be wide and varied, drawing on the children’s wider knowledge and experiences in order to give them a hook into the learning.
We work closely with Canterbury Diocese. Staff are encouraged to attend regular training and the RE lead attends network meetings in order to update knowledge and share good practice. We work closely with our neighbouring schools to support staff, share resources, moderate work and offer opportunities for children to explore RE in new and meaningful ways.
