Intent

At St Stephen's C of E Primary School, we believe Religious Education helps every child develop religious literacy, spirituality and respect for others. As a Church of England school serving a diverse community, we provide an inclusive environment where pupils learn about Christianity and a range of other faiths and worldviews. Through Religious Education, children explore questions of meaning, purpose and belief, reflect on their own experiences and values, and develop into thoughtful, compassionate and open-minded individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to a diverse and changing world.

Using the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Agreed Syllabus, our carefully sequenced curriculum develops pupils' knowledge and understanding through the lenses of Believing, Thinking and Living. Pupils study Christianity as a living global faith while developing knowledge and appreciation of other religions and non-religious worldviews. Through enquiry, discussion and reflection, they learn to engage thoughtfully with different perspectives and understand how beliefs influence individuals, communities and society.

Implementation

Curriculum Progression

Religious Education is taught in accordance with the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Agreed Syllabus. Two-thirds of the curriculum focuses on Christianity, with the remaining third exploring Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and non-religious worldviews.

Learning is structured around carefully sequenced Big Questions that encourage enquiry, discussion and reflection. From the Early Years to Year 6, pupils progressively develop their understanding of beliefs, practices, values and worldviews while exploring themes such as belonging, identity, justice and the meaning of a good life.

Knowledge and understanding build progressively through the three curriculum lenses, enabling pupils to make meaningful connections between faith, belief and everyday life. Religious Education is taught to all pupils, including those in the Early Years Foundation Stage, where learning is linked to the EYFS Early Learning Goals.

Key Concepts

Teaching, learning and assessment are centred on the three lenses of the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Agreed Syllabus:

• Believing (Theology) – exploring religious and non-religious beliefs, teachings and sources of authority

• Thinking (Philosophy) – questioning, reflecting on and evaluating beliefs, values and ideas

• Living (Human and Social Sciences) – examining how beliefs shape individuals, communities and the wider world

These lenses enable pupils to deepen their understanding, think critically and appreciate the diversity of beliefs within modern society.

Impact

By the end of Year 6, pupils leave St Stephen's as knowledgeable, reflective and respectful learners who understand Christianity as a diverse, living global faith and appreciate the beliefs and practices of other religions and worldviews. They are equipped to engage thoughtfully with different perspectives and contribute positively to life in a diverse society.

Our pupils will:

• Develop religious literacy through a secure understanding of Christianity, other world faiths and non-religious worldviews

• Understand Christianity as a diverse, living global faith

• Explore how beliefs, values and practices influence individuals and communities

• Demonstrate respect, empathy and understanding towards people of all faiths and none

• Reflect on spiritual, moral and philosophical questions about life, meaning and belief

• Understand the contribution of religion and belief to morality, relationships and society

• Make thoughtful connections between beliefs, values and ways of living

Assessment is ongoing through discussion, written and creative responses, enquiry-based activities and teacher assessment. Clear progression from Reception to Year 6 ensures every child develops secure knowledge, understanding and reflective thinking, enabling them to engage confidently with religious and non-religious worldviews.