RE

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

INTENT

At Somerford, our RE curriculum is designed to support all children to develop an understanding of the place that religion plays in people’s lives.  We want our pupils to be free to make their own choices and decisions concerning religion and belief.  We encourage children to share their own knowledge and experience with others.

Our curriculum is underpinned by the following aims:

• To develop children’s spiritual, moral, social, and cultural understanding in an inclusive environment.
• To promote respect, empathy, and tolerance, preparing children to live in a diverse and ever-changing society.
• To encourage all learners to ask deep questions, reflect meaningfully, and explore their own beliefs and values.

IMPLEMENTATION

We deliver RE using the Discovery RE Scheme, which provides a progressive, enquiry-based structure that aligns with the BCP Agreed Syllabus. Each unit poses a “Big Question“ to promote enquiry, discussion, and personal reflection

In the EYFS, RE is explored through Understanding the World, with a focus on identity, family traditions, celebrations, and community, ensuring early exposure to inclusive, respectful thinking.

Discovery RE advocates an enquiry-based approach with a 4-step process. Step 1 – Engagement, Step 2 – Investigation, Step 3 – Evaluation and Step 4 – Expression. There is a key question for each topic and then lessons work through the 4-step process.

RE is taught to all age groups through weekly lessons to ensure we meet the expected time allocation and the curriculum coverage fulfils the statutory requirements of the Bournemouth and Poole Agreed Syllabus for RE.

Our delivery follows the “I do, we do, you do” pedagogy.

• I do – Teachers model key concepts and vocabulary explicitly, breaking down complex ideas for clarity.
• We do – Pupils work collaboratively with peers and adults, exploring concepts through supported activities and discussion.
• You do – Pupils apply understanding independently, through a variety of tasks, allowing individual expression and reflection

  To enhance the learning of RE, we encourage learning about religious experiences, such as, visiting the local church, meeting religious speakers and handling real artefacts, learning through stories, art, music and drama where possible. 

IMPACT

The impact of our RE curriculum is seen in the development of:

• A secure knowledge of key religious beliefs, stories, and practices.
• The ability to think critically, express opinions, and reflect on big questions.
• Respectful, empathetic attitudes toward others of different faiths, beliefs, or backgrounds.
• An inclusive and supportive classroom culture where all voices are heard and valued.

Assessment is ongoing and child-focused:

• Learning outcomes from the Discovery RE scheme guide formative and summative assessment.
• Teachers use questioning, pupil voice, and work samples to assess understanding.
• Impact is also evident through behaviour, relationships, and attitudes across the school.
• The RE leader monitors delivery of the programme through observation and discussion with teaching staff, as well as discussions with children and scrutiny of their written work to ensure consistent and coherent curriculum provision.