Religious Education (RE) helps children explore big questions about life, belief, belonging and values. Through learning about Christianity and other world religions and worldviews, children develop understanding, respect and curiosity about the diverse world in which they live.

Our Vision for Religious Education

At Bathford Church School, our vision of Grow, Care, Serve, Share is at the heart of Religious Education.

As a Church of England school, we want every child to flourish and live life in all its fullness. RE helps children make sense of the world around them, explore their own beliefs and values, and develop an understanding of the beliefs and experiences of others.

Through RE, children learn about faith, community, identity and belonging. We encourage them to ask thoughtful questions, reflect deeply and engage respectfully with different viewpoints and ways of life.

Our curriculum helps children grow as reflective learners, care for others, serve their communities with compassion and share their ideas with confidence.

What Do Children Learn?

Christianity is at the heart of our RE curriculum, reflecting our foundation as a Church of England school.

Children learn about:

• Christian beliefs, teachings and traditions
• Bible stories and their meaning
• Worship, prayer and Christian festivals
• Other world religions and worldviews
• Identity, belonging and community
• Big questions about meaning, purpose and values

Through their learning, children gain an understanding of how faith and belief influence people's lives, both locally and around the world.

Our curriculum is closely linked to our whole-school themes of:

• Identity and Diversity
• Social Justice and Equity
• Sustainable Development

These themes help children make meaningful connections between their learning and the wider world.

How Do Children Learn?

We use Understanding Christianity to support children's learning about Christian beliefs, practices and their impact on individuals and communities.

We also use Kapow to teach children about other world religions and worldviews, helping them to develop respect for diversity and difference.

Children learn through:

• Discussion and debate
• Storytelling and reflection
• Enquiry and investigation
• Exploring artefacts and sacred texts
• Visits and visitors
• Collective worship and shared experiences

Children are encouraged to ask questions, share their ideas, listen to others and think critically about what they learn.

In the Early Years, children begin to explore faith and belief through stories, celebrations, role play and first-hand experiences.

In Key Stage 2, RE is taught as part of our mixed-age afternoon learning model, providing opportunities for children to learn alongside peers from different year groups, share perspectives and engage in thoughtful discussion.

What Will Children Take Away?

Through Religious Education, children develop:

• Knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other faiths
• Respect for different beliefs, cultures and traditions
• Curiosity about the world and the people around them
• Confidence to express their ideas and opinions
• Reflection, discussion and critical thinking skills
• An appreciation of diversity within local and global communities

We want our children to leave Bathford as thoughtful, respectful and compassionate individuals who are equipped to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world.

Religious Education Curriculum

Our Religious Education Long-Term Plan provides an overview of the key themes, religions and worldviews taught across the school. It shows how learning is carefully sequenced to build children's knowledge, understanding and reflection throughout their time at Bathford Church School.

Together, these experiences help children develop both a strong understanding of faith and belief and the skills to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with the world around them.

We follow the BWMAT RE policy