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The modern world needs young people who are sufficiently confident in their own beliefs and values that they can respect the religious and cultural differences of others and contribute to a cohesive and compassionate society’ - Michael Gove
Religious Education at Millbrook Combined School is designed to foster respect, understanding, and curiosity about the diverse beliefs and practices that shape our world. Through a broad and balanced curriculum, pupils explore the major world religions and non-religious worldviews, developing their ability to reflect on spiritual, moral, social, and cultural questions. RE provides a safe space for pupils to consider their own beliefs and values, while learning to appreciate and respect those of others.
The curriculum is structured to build knowledge and skills progressively from Year 1 to Year 6. Pupils begin by recalling and naming different beliefs and practices, including festivals, worship, and rituals. As they move through the school, they deepen their understanding by making connections between stories, symbols, and actions, and by exploring the significance of religious celebrations and teachings. By Year 6, pupils are able to discuss and present their own and others’ views on challenging questions about belonging, meaning, and truth.
Our RE curriculum reflects the diversity of our school community. We celebrate festivals such as Eid, Diwali, Christmas, and Holi, ensuring that pupils see their own beliefs represented and valued. These celebrations are woven into the curriculum and school life, helping children to understand the importance of faith in people’s lives and to build a sense of shared community. The curriculum also supports our ASPIRE values, encouraging pupils to show integrity in their reflections, pride in their heritage, and respect for others.
Adaptations are made to ensure that SEND and EAL pupils can access and engage with RE. Lessons include visual resources, simplified texts, and opportunities for discussion and creative expression through art, music, and drama. This inclusive approach allows all pupils to contribute meaningfully and develop a sense of belonging.
RE is taught weekly across all year groups, following a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds on prior learning and introduces new concepts in age-appropriate ways. The curriculum is structured around three key strands: Knowledge and Understanding, Expressing Ideas and Insights, and Gaining and Deploying Skills. These strands are revisited and deepened each year, ensuring continuity and progression.
In Key Stage 1, pupils learn to recall and name different beliefs and practices, retell religious stories, and recognise symbols and actions that express a community’s way of life. For example, Year 1 pupils explore the meaning behind religious festivals and begin to understand the significance of sacred stories. In Year 2, they build on this by recognising similarities between communities and discussing the values expressed in religious teachings.
In Key Stage 2, pupils begin to describe and make connections between different features of religions and worldviews. They explore celebrations, worship, pilgrimages, and rituals, and reflect on their significance. For instance, Year 4 pupils investigate the challenges of commitment to a faith community and consider how diverse communities can live together respectfully. By Year 6, pupils are able to discuss ethical questions, express their ideas through reasoning and creative forms, and reflect on the impact of beliefs on individuals and society.
Lessons are enriched through the celebration of religious festivals and community events. Pupils participate in assemblies, workshops, and classroom activities that bring religious stories and practices to life. These experiences help children to connect their learning to real-world contexts and to appreciate the richness of cultural and religious diversity.
SEND and EAL adaptations are embedded throughout. Teachers use adapted materials, visual supports, and structured discussion techniques to ensure all pupils can access the content. Pupils are encouraged to express their ideas in ways that suit their communication needs, whether through writing, drawing, or speaking. This inclusive approach ensures that every child can engage with RE and feel valued.
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils at Millbrook demonstrate a secure understanding of the key concepts within Religious Education. They are able to describe and make connections between beliefs, practices, and symbols across different religions and worldviews. Pupils can reflect thoughtfully on religious stories and teachings, express their own ideas and opinions, and respond respectfully to those of others.
The impact of the curriculum is evident in pupils’ attitudes, discussions, and written work. They show empathy, curiosity, and respect when exploring religious and moral questions. Pupils are able to articulate their understanding of diversity and recognise the importance of living together in a respectful and inclusive society. They leave primary school with the foundations for becoming thoughtful, open-minded individuals who value the beliefs and traditions of others.
In accordance with the Education Act 1996, parents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education (RE) lessons; this process requires a meeting with the headteacher, followed by a formal written request.