Intent

Our aim is to introduce pupils to the study of religion through the lens of their own life experiences. This approach enables pupils to interpret and make sense of the world around them, fostering both relevance and meaning, while also promoting empathy towards others.

Through engagement with our RE curriculum, pupils will explore a range of religious traditions and critically reflect on their learning, developing personal insights. Throughout their time at London Colney Primary School, pupils will cultivate an exceptional understanding of religion, considering the meaning and significance of existence. They will become reflective learners, gaining a deep comprehension of how beliefs, values, practices, and ways of life within any religion interconnect.

Implementation

Our curriculum is supported by Jigsaw RE, which facilitates the planning and delivery of an engaging RE programme. Teachers adopt an enquiry-based approach to examine six of the world’s principal religions – Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism – alongside non-religious worldviews.

The sequence of lessons emphasise subject knowledge, critical evaluation, and personal spiritual development. Learning is cumulative, building upon prior knowledge and skills year on year.

Each unit of work is centred around a key enquiry question. Pupils apply their subject knowledge throughout the unit to assess evidence and draw conclusions. Units commence with an enquiry that encourages pupils to draw on their own experiences, subsequently bridging into the study of religion to explore the enquiry question in depth. This process is facilitated through investigative lessons, culminating in evaluation. Pupils critically reflect on their learning in relation to the enquiry question and consider whether their initial perspectives have evolved. This is achieved through rich classroom discussion and analysis of texts, reinforcing pupils’ oracy skills.

Impact

The curriculum is designed as a progression model. Pupils demonstrate good progress and attainment of expected standards when they can retain and apply knowledge in line with curriculum expectations.

By the conclusion of each enquiry, pupils have opportunities to:

• Engage in personal reflection on the subject content.
• Develop knowledge and understanding of the enquiry topic.
• Evaluate and demonstrate critical thinking in relation to the enquiry.

Assessment is conducted throughout lessons using informal strategies, including questioning, conferencing, reviewing written work against learning objectives and success criteria, and short retrieval activities. At the end of each unit, pupils’ understanding is evaluated through high-quality discussions and class-based tasks.

Beyond the Curriculum

Where feasible, trips and experiential learning opportunities are arranged to complement the units studied.

Furthermore, members of the wider community are invited to share their personal experiences, enabling pupils to draw conclusions in response to enquiry questions and bringing their learning to life.

• RE Long Term Plan (249.16KB)