RE
Intent
At Crawford school, the RE Curriculum follows the SACRE Syllabus for Southwark, aiming to develop pupil’s knowledge and understanding of key religions, beliefs and traditions. In particular, students learn about Islam, Christianity and Judaism as the three Abrahamic faiths, alongside Sikhism, Hinduism and Humanism.
Children learn essential facts and concepts about the different faith groups while being taught key skills such as comparing and contrasting, making connections, analysing and evaluating ideas and theories. Additionally, our R.E. lessons, partnered with our PSHE curriculum enables children, as they grow, to explore ways to empathise with people from different traditions and backgrounds. This is a work in progress as we adapt our curriculum to reflect our diverse community.
Each half-termly unit is underpinned by a BIG QUESTION which supports the children’s learning.
EYFS
Nursery – Celebrating special times
Reception – Understanding our identity, stories and what they tell us
KS1
Year 1 – What does it mean to belong?
Year 2&3 – Can stories change people? How are symbols and sayings important in religion?
Year 4
What is special to me and people in my community?
Year 5
How do beliefs influence actions?
Year 6
How important are the similarities and differences between and within religions?
Implementation
Children’s religious learning in EYFS starts with the familiar: their own identity and those of their families. They explore celebrations and stories, learning about what happens during important religious festivals throughout the year.
In Key Stage one, the focus on storytelling continues with topics looking more closely at the stories behind Easter and Christmas, the life of Prophet Muhammad, the parables of Jesus, and lessons taught by other prophets and gurus. Additionally, building on the Foundation Stage, pupils learn how festivals are celebrated throughout a community and what it means for a person to believe in God.
In Key Stage two, children build on their understanding of their own identity and belonging while comparing their own experiences with others’. They are encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs (whether they are religious or non-religious) and consider the impact of what they are learning. They are encouraged to analyse and make connections between different beliefs, considering how faith impacts the believer’s world view. Children begin to think critically about morality, truth, right and wrong. They explore religious responses to war, poverty and injustice. This allows them to investigate the relationship between RE, art, philosophy and social history, asking difficult questions and considering the impact of the answers.
Impact
Across all key stages, children express their learning through drama, art, discussion and writing. We celebrate important religious festivals throughout the year as whole school events, involving our local faith communities and families. This brings our school community together as we celebrate each other!
At Crawford, the importance of religious education, we believe, is pivotal in helping children and young people to grow into respectful citizens who make a positive contribution to our diversity city. RE provokes challenging questions about the meaning of life, identity, community, ethics and social justice.