Religious Education

What we believe for our curriculum

At Birchwood Primary, Religious Education helps pupils understand and celebrate differences in our school and the wider world. It promotes diversity and challenges stereotypes.

RE is taught in accordance with the aims of the Suffolk Agreed Syllabus. Particularly relevant to our school is the aim which states:

‘ Religious Education should help pupils to develop a positive attitude towards other people, respecting their right to hold different beliefs from their own, and towards living in a society of many religions and beliefs.’

At Birchwood, we believe children learn best when the curriculum builds step by step, revisiting key skills to deepen understanding before applying them across subjects. The RE Progression of Skills documents show how these skills are developed and assessed from Reception to Year 6.

Legal Requirements 

RE is taught in accordance with the aims of the Suffolk Agreed Syllabus. In accordance with the law we provide religious education for all pupils registered at the school. Parents are informed in the school prospectus that they have the right to withdraw their pupils from religious education. Parents who choose to withdraw their children from Religious education lessons are required to state this in writing annually to the Head of School.

The Scheme of Work 

The scheme of work for Religious Education covers all the requirements of the Agreed Syllabus. RE is taught in half-termly units in a combination of religion-based and thematic topics. We use the Emmanuel Project to deliver all of the requirements for RE and ensures the children know more and remember more through revisiting and recalling prior knowledge.

RE and our Community

At Birchwood, we use the experiences of our pupils and staff to make RE interesting and relevant, including visits to local places of worship. RE helps pupils develop understanding and respect for different faiths and cultures, preparing them to be tolerant and well-rounded members of the wider community. Our RE lessons give pupils the chance to meet people from different faiths and visit local places of worship, helping them see religion in action.

We have close links with our local church, where pupils celebrate Harvest, Christmas, and Easter. They learn about the stories and symbols of these festivals and how Christianity influences people and communities.

RE Pupil Voice

“I enjoyed learning about Christingles. I didn’t know these existed – learning about these has helped me understand…it was fun and we learned the meaning linked to people lighting them to symbolise Jesus.”

 “RE helps me to understand if people have different religious view and cultures”

“RE helps me be a better person as I am a practising Christian”

“RE helps me to be a better person”