Religious Education

“Differences were meant not to divide but to enrich.” JH Oldham

Intent

At St Agnes, Religious Education plays a vital role in our curriculum, helping pupils to understand the world around them and their place within it.

As a Church of England school, we recognise the importance of RE in supporting our pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, whilst respecting and celebrating the diverse beliefs and backgrounds within our school community.

Our RE curriculum, based on the Manchester Agreed Syllabus, intends to:

  • Develop religious literacy and understanding - ensuring pupils gain knowledge of different religions, beliefs and worldviews

  • Foster respect and open-mindedness - helping pupils appreciate and respect diverse beliefs and practices

  • Support personal and spiritual development - enabling pupils to explore their own beliefs, values and identity

  • Prepare our pupils for life in modern Britain - equipping them to live and work in a diverse, multi-faith society

Through our RE curriculum, we aim to develop pupils who are:

  • Knowledgeable about different religions and worldviews

  • Respectful of people with different beliefs

  • Able to think critically and ask deep questions about meaning, purpose and values

  • Confident in exploring their own beliefs and identity

Implementation

Our RE curriculum is delivered through the Manchester Agreed Syllabus, which provides a structured and progressive approach to religious education.

Curriculum structure:

Our RE curriculum:

  • Is based on the Manchester Agreed Syllabus, ensuring we meet statutory requirements

  • Builds systematically on prior learning from Early Years through to Year 6

  • Covers a range of religions and worldviews appropriate to each age group

  • Balances learning about religions (knowledge) with learning from religions (reflection and personal development)

Key areas of study:

Throughout their time at St Agnes, pupils will:

  • Study Christianity in depth, reflecting our Church of England foundation

  • Learn about other major world religions including Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism

  • Explore non-religious worldviews where appropriate

  • Investigate key concepts, beliefs, practices and stories from different faiths

  • Visit places of worship and engage with members of different faith communities where possible

Teaching approach:

Our RE teaching:

  • Uses enquiry-based learning, encouraging pupils to ask questions and think critically

  • Provides opportunities for reflection and discussion

  • Uses a variety of sources including sacred texts, artefacts, stories, art and music

  • Creates a safe space for pupils to explore their own beliefs and values

  • Respects the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of all pupils in our school community

Our Church of England identity:

As a Church of England school:

  • We ensure Christianity is taught in depth throughout the curriculum

  • We celebrate Christian festivals and values as part of our school life

  • We provide opportunities for collective worship and spiritual development

  • We respect and value the beliefs of all families in our diverse school community

Impact

Through our Religious Education curriculum, pupils at St Agnes will:

  • Have developed religious literacy and understanding of different faiths and worldviews

  • Be knowledgeable about Christianity and other major world religions

  • Demonstrate respect and open-mindedness towards people with different beliefs

  • Be able to think critically about religious and philosophical questions

  • Have explored their own beliefs, values and identity in a safe and supportive environment

  • Understand the role of religion in the modern world and in shaping history and culture

  • Be equipped with the knowledge and understanding to live respectfully in a diverse, multi-faith society

  • Have strong spiritual, moral, social and cultural development

  • Be prepared for life in modern Britain, where they will encounter people of many different faiths and beliefs

  • Leave St Agnes as thoughtful, respectful individuals who can engage meaningfully with questions of meaning, purpose and value

Please refer to our Religious Education policy for details on your right to withdraw your child from all or part of RE.

RE Progression N - 6