R.E. at Chudleigh C.E. V.C. Community Primary School 

Intent – Why do we teach R.E.? Why do we teach it in the way we do? 

At Chudleigh, we consider the teaching of R.E. important because it raises challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about faith, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human.  

Our enriching R.E. curriculum aims to give the children in our care knowledge and understanding of the principal religions; Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and non-religious world views such as humanism.  

R.E. is taught within a local, national and global context. It offers children opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development.  It considers the influence of religion on individuals, families, communities and different cultures.  

R.E. allows children to investigate and discover more about the diverse world in which they live and reflect on their own contribution to the world.  Within our lessons we challenge prejudice and encourage empathy, generosity and compassion.  

Implement – What do we teach? What does this look like? 

At Chudleigh C.E. V.C Community Primary School, we aim to promote an enquiry-based approach to R.E. by teaching units of work from Understanding Christianity and the Devon Agreed R.E. Syllabus.  

The teaching and learning approach of the Devon Agreed Syllabus has three core elements which are woven together to provide breadth and balance within the teaching and learning about different religions and beliefs. These elements are: 

Making sense of beliefs - understanding what these beliefs mean within their traditions. 

Making connections – establishing relationships between these beliefs and pupil’s own lives and ways of understanding the world. 

Understanding the impact – In this element, pupils examine how and why people put their beliefs into action within their everyday lives, their communities and in the wider world.  

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage focus on the theme of 'discovery'; this spans an understanding of who God is to Christians and the Christian celebrations of Easter and Christmas, before an exploration of special people, places and stories. Early links are made between the different places and stories that are special to people of different religions. Most of all, there is a focus on creating a sense of wonder and curiosity that carries on into their learning throughout their years in school.  

Impact – What is the impact of what we do? 

The delivery of a broad and balanced R.E. Curriculum ensures that our pupils will   

• Make good progress in their learning  
• develop respect and sensitivity for all people, standing up against prejudice and stereotype 
• develop trusting friendships and to show loyalty in all relationships 
• understand faith and moral codes to guide them in their lives so that they can make responsible decisions 
• develop an understanding of modern multi-cultural Britain and how this is reflected in their lives and local community  

• become resilient, accepting, mindful and inquisitive learners  

 R.E. Expectations

R.E. Planning Overview