Intent

At The Grange, we believe Religious Education (RE) both supports and strengthens every aspect of school life. Our caring ethos and commitment to developing the whole child—spiritually, morally, socially, culturally and intellectually—are reflected clearly within our RE curriculum.

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Our curriculum enables pupils to learn about religion and learn from religion, helping them to understand how beliefs, values and traditions shape the way people see the world and live their lives.

Pupils study Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism, with Christianity taught in every year group. Key Christian festivals, including Easter and Christmas, are given additional focus to support understanding of belief, worship and community.

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RE is exciting, relevant and meaningful. It plays a vital role in developing respectful relationships, empathy and critical thinking, and prepares pupils to live confidently and responsibly in a diverse society, reflecting The Grange Way.

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Implementation

RE is taught through a carefully sequenced, enquiry-based curriculum using the PlanBee curriculum alongside the Oxfordshire Locally Agreed Syllabus. This ensures progressive coverage of the six principal world faiths from Year 1 to Year 6.

In the Early Years, learning is closely aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage, supporting children’s holistic development through stories, celebration and reflection.

• RE is taught in half-termly units, each built around a key enquiry question

• Lessons explore beliefs, practices, worship, symbols, key people and sacred texts

• Learning builds progressively within units and across year groups, deepening knowledge and understanding over time

• Key vocabulary is taught explicitly to support clear communication and reasoning

Pupils engage in a wide range of activities, including discussion, role play, poetry, art and reflective writing. These approaches allow pupils to explore religious concepts creatively while developing strong enquiry and reasoning skills.

The final lesson in each unit focuses on reflection and application, enabling pupils to connect religious ideas to their own lives. For example, after learning about why Muhammad is important to Muslims, pupils reflect on inspirational figures in their own lives and consider their influence. This approach supports identity formation, critical thinking and meaningful assessment.

 

Cross-Curricular Links (Religious Education)

RE at The Grange is purposefully connected to wider curriculum learning, strengthening understanding while maintaining clear subject integrity.

• PSHE and Relationships Education – RE deepens pupils’ understanding of values, identity, respect, empathy and moral responsibility.

• English – Pupils develop reading comprehension, discussion and reflective writing through stories, sacred texts and philosophical questions.

• History – RE supports understanding of how religion has shaped societies, traditions and historical events.

• Art and Music – Creative expression through symbolic art, religious music and performance deepens cultural understanding.

• Oracy – Structured discussion and respectful debate strengthen listening, empathy and communication skills.

These links ensure RE is relevant, meaningful and embedded, while enquiry and understanding of belief remain central.

 

Impact

Through the design of our curriculum, pupils leave The Grange with a broad, balanced and respectful understanding of the world.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils:

• Demonstrate secure knowledge of religions and worldviews studied

• Discuss philosophical and ethical questions with confidence and sensitivity

• Listen respectfully and respond thoughtfully to differing viewpoints

• Reflect on their own beliefs, values and identity

• Show empathy, tolerance and respect for others

Pupils understand that their thoughts, beliefs and questions are valued and that RE provides a safe space for discussion and reflection. They leave school with a strong sense of belonging, confidence in decision-making and the skills to continue asking important questions throughout life.

 

Behaviour and Attitudes (RE)

Pupils engage positively in RE lessons. They listen carefully, contribute thoughtfully and show respect for different beliefs and opinions. Class discussions are calm, reflective and purposeful.

 

Personal Development (RE)

RE makes a strong contribution to pupils’ personal development by:

• Supporting spiritual and moral reflection

• Developing empathy, respect and cultural awareness

• Encouraging self-reflection and identity formation

• Preparing pupils for life in a diverse society

 

Leadership and Management (RE)

RE is led effectively to ensure clear progression, consistent expectations and high-quality teaching. Coverage, progression and impact are monitored so that pupils know more and remember more over time. Staff are supported to deliver RE confidently and sensitively.

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