Subject statement Miss Mckay

Religious Education (RE) fosters an understanding of diverse religions, beliefs, values, and traditions, encouraging pupils to reflect on their own perspectives and explore questions of meaning. It supports the development of their personal identity and sense of belonging while promoting respect for differing viewpoints. Additionally, RE equips students to navigate and contribute to a culturally and spiritually diverse world and local community.

Curriculum intent

At Chatsworth Infant School, RE is delivered in a creative, engaging, challenging and inclusive way with pupils working towards two key attainment targets.

1)Learning about religion and beliefs

2) Learning from religion and beliefs.

At Chatsworth Infant we follow the London Borough of Bexley Agreed Syllabus. The scheme is split into the 3 different Key Stages (EYFS, KS1 and KS2).  The syllabus adopts a key questions approach, with each unit centred around specific question’s explored in depth. Teaching is organised around three aims and three strands: Believing, Expressing, and Living. These elements underpin the end-of-key-stage outcomes and the progressive learning objectives for each unit. Pupils are provided with opportunities to revisit concepts, deepen their understanding by making links between learning, and reinforce previously learned knowledge.

The aim of the syllabus is to engage pupils in systematic enquiry into significant human questions which religions and world views address. The Bexley Agreed Syllabus for religious education emphasises key principles to support learners’ growth:

1. Challenging Questions: Engages students with thought-provoking inquiries to enhance critical thinking.
2. Safe Belief Exploration: Provides a secure environment for students to explore and develop their own beliefs.
3. Identity and Belonging: Fosters a strong sense of self and community among learners.
4. Empathy and Understanding: Promotes respect for diverse beliefs, helping students confront and overcome prejudice.
5. Responsibility: Encourages reflection on individual responsibilities to themselves, their families, society, and a higher power.

Summary of intended impact

I – Inspire through opportunities to look at a range of religions and non-religious beliefs and providing them with an understanding of the communities surrounding them.

C – Challenge through providing children with thought provoking questions and requiring them to think carefully about their own personal beliefs.

E – Engage them through memorable experiences, drama and providing them with opportunities to ask questions.

What makes RE special in Chatsworth Infant school?

RE is special in our school because it engages students in celebrating faith, culture, and shared values both in and beyond the classroom. We honor Saint Days with vibrant dress-up events, celebrate festivals like Diwali through creative projects and interactive lessons, and hold assemblies that promote unity and respect for diverse traditions. Rooted in religious principles, our personal goals—respect, collaboration, empathy, resilience, ethical thinking, and communication—help students grow into compassionate, thoughtful individuals ready to thrive in a diverse and connected world.