Impact 

At Burleyfields Primary School, children develop religious literacy and a breadth of knowledge about the religions and worldviews they study. 

They use appropriate vocabulary to explain beliefs and practices, make connections and recognise differences within and between traditions. Children learn to ask thoughtful questions, express their own ideas and listen respectfully to others. 

Our curriculum helps children develop understanding and respect for people with religious and non-religious beliefs, preparing them to participate positively in a diverse society. 

Intent 

At Burleyfields Primary School, we aim to develop children’s understanding of religions and world views through a knowledge-rich curriculum. 

We want children to understand how beliefs, customs and values influence people’s lives. Through enquiry and reflection, children explore questions of identity, belonging, meaning and responsibility. 

Our curriculum encourages respectful discussion and helps children appreciate different perspectives while developing confidence in expressing their own views. 

Implementation 

Our Religious Education curriculum follows the locally agreed syllabus developed through SACRE. The themes of Explore, Engage and Reflect support learning through six broad dimensions: 

• Beliefs, teachings and sources. 

• Practices and ways of life. 

• Expressing meaning. 

• Identity, diversity and belonging. 

• Meaning, purpose and truth. 

• Values and commitments. 

These dimensions are woven through units of work to support progression towards age-related outcomes. 

At Burleyfields Primary School: 

• Reception children learn about aspects of Christianity. 

• Years 1 and 2 learn about aspects of Christianity and Islam. 

• Years 3 and 4 learn about aspects of Christianity, Islam and Sikhism. 

• Years 5 and 6 learn about aspects of Christianity, Sikhism and Judaism. 

Weekly lessons include opportunities to handle artefacts, explore sacred texts, discuss ideas and respond to stories, images, art, music and drama. Carefully selected digital resources and visits to places of worship help children connect classroom learning with lived experiences. 

In the Early Years, children encounter stories from different religions and world views through discussion and role-play. Visits, including to the local church, provide experiences they can describe and reflect upon. 

Inclusion 

All children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), are supported to access Religious Education. 

Teachers use practical resources, visual support, explicit vocabulary teaching and opportunities to revisit learning. Children can communicate their understanding through discussion, drama, drawing and writing. 

Teaching respects children’s family backgrounds and beliefs. No child is expected to represent a religion or world view, and discussion is managed sensitively so that everyone can contribute.