At Newnham St Peter’s Church of England Primary School, our Religious Education (RE) curriculum follows the Gloucester Diocesan Scheme of Work and incorporates the Understanding Christianity framework. This comprehensive approach ensures that our pupils receive a rich and balanced education, nurturing spiritual growth, fostering respect for diverse religious traditions, and cultivating moral and ethical awareness. Our approach aligns with our school vision: "cherish everyone, flourish together, and serve others."

Curriculum Overview

Our RE curriculum is designed to provide a deep understanding of Christianity while also exploring other major world religions. Through engaging lessons and thoughtful discussions, pupils develop a well-rounded understanding of faith and spirituality. The curriculum is structured around key themes and concepts that are revisited and built upon as pupils progress through the school.

Key Themes

1. Christianity: Understanding the core beliefs, practices, and history of Christianity, focusing on the teachings of Jesus and their relevance today, as guided by the Understanding Christianity framework.
2. World Religions: Exploring the beliefs, practices, and cultural contexts of major world religions, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
3. Moral and Ethical Issues: Discussing contemporary moral and ethical issues, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging pupils to consider different perspectives.
4. Spiritual Development: Encouraging personal reflection, spiritual growth, and the development of a personal faith journey.

Teaching Progression Map

Our teaching progression map outlines the key learning objectives and milestones for each year group, ensuring a coherent and cohesive learning experience for all pupils.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

• Introduction to key religious festivals and celebrations.
• Basic understanding of Christian values such as love, kindness, and sharing.
• Simple stories from the Bible and other religious texts.

Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2)

• Exploration of key Bible stories and their meanings.
• Introduction to the life and teachings of Jesus.
• Basic knowledge of other world religions and their festivals.
• Development of understanding of Christian values and their application in daily life.

Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3-4)

• Deeper exploration of the life and teachings of Jesus using the Understanding Christianity units.
• Understanding the significance of religious symbols and rituals.
• Study of key figures and stories from other world religions.
• Discussion of moral and ethical questions from a faith perspective.

Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5-6)

• In-depth study of the Bible and key Christian doctrines.
• Comparative study of the beliefs and practices of different world religions.
• Exploration of complex moral and ethical issues.
• Encouragement of personal reflection and articulation of individual beliefs and values.

Learning Activities

Our RE curriculum includes a variety of engaging and interactive learning activities:

• Storytelling: Using religious texts and stories to convey moral and spiritual lessons.
• Art and Music: Exploring religious themes through creative expression.
• Discussion and Debate: Encouraging critical thinking and respectful dialogue on religious and ethical issues.
• Visits & Visitors: Enhancing learning through visits to places of worship and talks from faith leaders.
• Celebrations and Festivals: Participating in and learning about religious festivals and traditions.

Assessment and Progression

Pupils' progress in RE is assessed through a combination of formative and summative methods, including:

• Class Discussions: Observing pupils’ engagement and understanding during discussions.
• Written Work: Evaluating pupils’ ability to articulate their knowledge and reflections in written form.
• Creative Projects: Assessing pupils’ interpretation and expression of religious themes through art, drama, and music.
• Personal Reflexion: Encouraging pupils to reflect on their learning and personal growth.

At Newnham St Peter’s, our RE curriculum is integral to our mission of nurturing well-rounded individuals who are spiritually aware, ethically grounded, and respectful of diverse beliefs. By following the Gloucester Diocesan Scheme of Work and the Understanding Christianity framework, we ensure that our teaching is both comprehensive and coherent, providing pupils with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to flourish in a diverse and ever-changing world.