Religious Education at St Richard's

OUR INTENT 

 At St Richard’s, Religious Education is an integral part of our curriculum, providing children with the opportunity to explore Christianity, the Church, and other principal world faiths. As a Church of England school, our teaching is rooted in Christianity, but we also celebrate diversity by fostering an understanding and appreciation of other religions and worldviews. Our RE lessons encourage curiosity and deep thinking, allowing children to engage with moral issues and develop a strong foundation of religious literacy. We adhere to the Church of England’s Statement of Entitlement  to ensure high-quality lessons that foster respect, empathy, and a genuine appreciation for different beliefs and cultures.

Our curriculum helps children understand the rich tapestry of faiths and traditions that shape our world. By learning about different religions, their practices, and their values, pupils develop a sense of empathy and respect for others, promoting inclusivity within our school and beyond.

Lessons and whole school focus days aim to inspire children to further their understanding while providing opportunities for them to share their own knowledge and experiences. Through RE, we encourage pupils to ask big questions, think deeply about their beliefs, and reflect on the world around them. We strive to nurture children who are not only confident in their own faith and values but who also respect and appreciate the perspectives of others.

By building knowledge, understanding, and a sense of social responsibility, we hope our pupils will become ‘courageous advocates’—pioneering positive change within the school, the local community, and the wider world.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RE CURRICULUM 

As a Church of England school we follow the RE curriculum of the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education (SDBE). Over the course of each academic year two thirds of the curriculum will focus on topics related to Christianity and the Church.  We are keen to present Christianity as a living and diverse faith. We are supported by local churches, whose active contributions to our lessons help bring topics to life and deepen children’s understanding.

The remaining third of the curriculum is dedicated to exploring the other five principal world religions—Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Sikhism—enabling pupils to develop a broader religious and cultural awareness.

Our RE lessons are structured around three key strands of learning: Theology (what people believe about God), Philosophy (exploring beliefs and questions about meaning and purpose), and Sociology (how faith influences the way people live). These themes are woven together through our ‘golden threads’: Believing (Theological), Thinking (Philosophical), and Living (Sociological), helping children to engage deeply with religious and ethical discussions.

Please see below for an overview of how we teach RE at St Richard's. 

In the Early Years the children are encouraged to respond to Bible stories and festivals through creative work and reflective play. We introduce key concepts from Christianity and share celebrations from faiths represented in the class.

Impact

“Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love.”  1 Corinthians 13:13

As children journey through the RE curriculum at St Richard’s, our hope is that they develop not only a strong foundation in Christianity and an understanding of other world faiths but also qualities of love, compassion, respect, and hope.

Through RE, we aim to nurture their spirituality, encouraging them to ask big questions, explore their sense of self, and consider their place in the world through the lens of faith. We want them to grow in confidence, knowing that reflection and curiosity are essential parts of their learning.

By providing meaningful opportunities for discussion and reflection, we hope our children will develop a secure personal identity while also gaining the ability to see the world through the perspectives of others.

We want every child to leave St Richard’s with a strong foundation in our core values, carrying faith, hope, and love as they journey through life. Secure in the knowledge that God loves us all, they will embrace diversity, celebrate differences, and show kindness and respect to everyone they meet.