Intent

At Rayleigh Primary School, we believe that Religious Education and Worldviews (RE) is an integral part of a child’s education and supports them to become rounded citizens in a diverse world. Through learning about different religions, we believe that children become more knowledgeable and accepting of differences within their local community and the wider world. The teaching of RE is not about telling children what they should believe in, or even that they have to believe in anything at all; it is about understanding and learning to respect different cultures and viewpoints. 

We want our pupils to be prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. Our goal is that by the time the children leave Rayleigh Primary School, they will have been supported in the development of their religious literacy. They will have a developing ability to make sense of a variety of world religions and views through theological, philosophical and human/social science lenses and go onto secondary school with a cultural awareness and enthusiasm to continue their learning.

Implementation

Our Curriculum is based upon National Curriculum expectations and the locally agreed Essex Agreed Syllabus (EAS) 2022, which is monitored and updated by the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE). The curriculum is an enquiry-based pedagogy which raises the expectations of both the staff and pupils’ study of religion and worldviews. RE lessons are planned and delivered in progressive sequence and build on pupils’ prior knowledge, and they reflect the values set out in the EAS. Lessons look at religious and non-religious worldviews through theological, philosophical and human/social science lenses to enable children to develop their religious literacy. 

RE activities and discussions provide children with opportunities to develop their understanding and appreciation of diversity and to promote shared values and tolerance of others. Children are encouraged to ask questions about religion, celebrate the differences between them and reflect on the common themes and values.

Collective worship is part of our curriculum and allows the children to explore and discuss different religions and cultures. Visits in to school from members of religious communities (e.g. faith leaders) and visits to a variety of places of worship further enhance our children’s understanding and experiences.