Intent

Our RE curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and deepen understanding of the World Faiths and Religions. It is rooted in our school’s curriculum drivers:

• Possibilities: We aim to open children’s eyes to the vast range of careers and global opportunities with world faiths and religions, helping them see how their learning connects to real-world futures.

• Community: Pupils develop a strong sense of place and pride in Chopwell and the North East, understanding how local faiths and religion fit into regional, national, and global contexts.

• Culture: Through the study of diverse faiths, religion and their followers, children gain insight into different ways of life, fostering respect, empathy, and aspiration beyond their immediate experience.

• Enquiry: RE encourages children to ask thoughtful questions, investigate issues such as religion and world views today, and think critically about the fellow citizens around them. We also aim to nurture confident communicators and collaborative learners through structured oracy development and the use of Kagan cooperative learning structures.

Implementation 

RE is taught through a progressive, knowledge-rich curriculum that builds on prior learning and connects to real-life experiences. Key features include:

• Progressive Curriculum Design: From EYFS to Year 6 building a layered understanding of faiths and non-faiths including Humanism.

• Kagan Collaborative Structures: Pupils engage in structured group work that promotes active participation, peer learning, and deeper understanding.

• Oracy Development: Pupils are encouraged to articulate their thinking, debate world issues, and present findings, building confidence and fluency so they learn to “talk like a theologist” from an early age.

• Cross-Curricular Links: RE is enriched through links with history, geography and English, making learning meaningful and connected.

• Use of Technology: Virtual tours and multimedia resources enhance engagement and understanding.

• Enquiry-Based Learning: Pupils explore big questions and real-world challenges, developing skills in research, analysis, and critical thinking.

Impact

By the end of their primary education at Chopwell, pupils will:

• Have a secure understanding of world faiths and religions.

• Be able to describe and compare different religions and world views in our multi-cultural society.

• Demonstrate acceptance for followers of all faiths and religions.

• Ask thoughtful questions about religion to gain a deeper understanding of others' faiths.

• Communicate confidently in discussions and presentations.

• Be inspired to explore world faiths further, with a sense of possibility, purpose, and global citizenship.

In Early Years, our RE curriculum begins looking at things that make us the same and things that make us different to others. Children learn about their feelings, how they can express their feelings and how others are feeling. Children in our Early Years learn about key celebrations and festivals from around the world including Christmas, Easter, Chinese New Year and Diwali. This allows our children to develop a foundation for understanding different religions and compassion for others.