We aim to give pupils the necessary knowledge and skills to flourish both within their own community and as members of a diverse global society. Our RE curriculum develops pupils’ knowledge and understanding of a wide range of religions, religious traditions and secular world views, and explores their responses to life’s challenges.

Our holistic approach aims to support pupils’ Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development (SMSC). Our approach enables children to understand both key similarities and differences between religions, as well as how people implement these beliefs into their everyday lives.

By preparing pupils for life in a diverse and multicultural world, we are enabling them to develop awareness of the fundamental questions raised by human experiences, and of how religious teachings can relate to them. As understanding develops children can respond to such questions with reference to teachings and practices of religions and other belief systems, as well as relating them to their own understanding and experience.

Our curriculum structure follows the Northamptonshire Agreed Syllabus for RE. This enables year groups to explore Christianity throughout their time at primary school, and also, from Y2 upwards, understand and contrast their growing knowledge of religion with another world religion. Coverage is as follows:

Year 1 – Christianity
Year 2 – Christianity & Judaism
Year 3 – Christianity & Islam
Year 4 – Christianity & Hinduism
Year 5 – Christianity & Sikhism
Year 6 – Christianity, Buddhism & Humanism

Knowledge develops as children learn about basic principles, divinity, holy book/scriptures, key celebrations, places of worship and an important story. Whilst learning about a religion’s key content, discussions (promoting positive engagement) are enjoyed, and progressive skills are developed. These important skills – tolerance, citizenship, constructive comparisons and communication – enable children to develop understanding, and take an informed interest in other people’s beliefs. Each year, children visit religious buildings and experience celebration days, immersing them in new culture and celebrations, and creating memories that promote positive engagement with religion and belief systems as they progress through school.

As we share with our children an understanding of a breadth of religions and belief systems, we communicate consistently that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, and that it is important to welcome and celebrate differences and be tolerant of each other.

Preston Hedges children leave primary school ready for the rest of their education with an open mind, an awareness and positive appreciation of society’s diversity, and the potential to make a positive contribution to modern Britain and British society as they mature.