Religious Education
At Bentley Heath Church of England Primary School, Religious Education sits at the heart of our identity as a Church school. Rooted in our Christian vision – “Love one another as I have loved you” – RE helps every child to grow in wisdom, understanding and compassion as they explore questions of faith, belief and meaning.
Our curriculum follows the London Diocesan Board for Schools (LDBS) Primary RE Syllabus, ensuring our children receive a rich, balanced education in Christianity and world faiths. Every lesson begins with an “I wonder…” question, encouraging children to think deeply, be curious and engage with ideas that matter.
Our Intent
Through our RE curriculum, we aim for all children to:
- Develop a secure understanding of Christianity, its key beliefs, festivals and practices
- Learn about major world faiths, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism
- Explore big questions about identity, purpose, values and the world around us
- Develop respect, empathy and appreciation for diverse beliefs and cultures
- Reflect on their own experiences, beliefs and spirituality
- Build skills in discussion, interpretation, questioning and critical thinking
- Understand how people of faith are inspired to show love, forgiveness, justice and hope
RE creates space for children to grow in confidence, reflect on their own worldviews and develop a strong moral compass.
What We Teach
Children study RE in six blocks each year. Christianity is taught throughout, alongside the study of world faiths. Examples from across our curriculum include:
- Understanding Christian beliefs through stories, festivals, symbols and Bible texts
- Exploring Judaism, including Shabbat, the Torah, festivals and life in a Jewish family
- Learning about Islam, including prayer, the Qur’an, the mosque and key stories
- Investigating Hindu and Sikh beliefs, practices and celebrations
- Developing knowledge of Buddhism and the teachings of the Buddha
Across all year groups, children investigate key questions such as:
- I wonder what responsibility God gives people for the world?
- I wonder what the Christmas story teaches Christians today?
- I wonder how a Jewish family celebrates Shabbat?
- I wonder why prayer is important to Muslims?
- I wonder who Jesus is to Christians?
- I wonder what it means to live a good life?
This gives children a consistent enquiry‑led structure where learning builds year on year.
How We Teach RE
Our RE lessons are interactive, reflective and engaging. Children learn through:
- Storytelling and handling artefacts
- Discussion, debate and questioning
- Art, drama, music and creative expression
- Philosophy-style enquiry
- Exploring sacred texts
- Visits and visitors where appropriate
- Reflective activities that help children consider their own ideas
We use clear progression in knowledge, vocabulary and concepts from Year 1 to Year 6. Each unit includes opportunities to revisit core ideas, deepen understanding and make thoughtful connections.
RE and Our Christian Vision
Our Christian vision shapes the way we teach and experience RE. Through learning about faith, children explore:
- What it means to love one another
- How values such as forgiveness, compassion, hope and perseverance influence how people live
- How Christians follow Jesus’ example
- How all people can contribute to a kinder, fairer and more peaceful world
RE plays an essential role in helping pupils recognise their own worth, understand others and flourish as individuals and members of the community.
Impact
By the time they leave Bentley Heath, we want every child to:
- Have a broad and respectful understanding of faith in the modern world
- Be able to express their ideas clearly and listen respectfully to others
- Understand how beliefs influence choices, behaviour and community life
- Feel confident asking questions about meaning, truth and values
- Have developed spirituality, empathy and moral awareness
- Be ready to take their place in a diverse society with openness and understanding