Religious Education
"We develop our understanding of different religions, beliefs and worldviews so that we can appreciate diversity, respect others, and grow spiritually, morally and personally."
At Meltham Moor, our Religious Education curriculum supports the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all pupils. We believe that children should have opportunities to develop their own beliefs, values and sense of identity whilst learning about and from the beliefs, experiences and traditions of others.
We recognise that exploring different religions and worldviews helps children to better understand themselves and their place within an increasingly diverse local, national and global community. Through this understanding, pupils develop tolerance, respect, empathy and kindness towards people of all faiths and those of no faith.
Our curriculum is built around the two central themes of the West Yorkshire agreed syllabus:
Beliefs and Values
Pupils develop knowledge and understanding of religious and non-religious worldviews, exploring both similarities and differences in beliefs, practices and ways of life. Children learn how beliefs influence the choices that individuals and communities make and how these shape identity, values and behaviour.
Belonging
Pupils explore questions of identity, community and diversity, developing an appreciation of how people express their beliefs and sense of belonging. Through this learning, children gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live alongside others in a respectful and inclusive society.
The curriculum is further organised through six learning pathways which provide coherence, progression and depth throughout a child's RE journey:
The Nature of Religion and Belief
Expressing Beliefs
A Good Life
Personal Journey
Influence and Authority
The Big Picture
These pathways enable pupils to revisit important concepts over time, make meaningful connections between religions and worldviews, and develop their disciplinary understanding through enquiry, interpretation, reflection and critical thinking.
At Meltham Moor, we believe that engaging, challenging and inclusive RE helps pupils develop informed and resilient responses to misunderstanding, stereotyping and prejudice. It offers a safe environment in which children can explore life's big questions about meaning, purpose, belief, morality, identity and what it means to be human.
Right to Withdraw from Religious Education
Religious Education (RE) forms part of the curriculum for all pupils. Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education.
Parents and carers who are considering withdrawal are encouraged to contact the Headteacher to discuss the school's RE curriculum and their request. Parents and carers are not required to give a reason for exercising their right of withdrawal.
The right of withdrawal relates specifically to Religious Education and does not extend to other curriculum subjects where religious beliefs, practices or issues may be discussed as part of the subject content.
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Implementation
Religious Education is taught weekly, with units carefully sequenced to ensure progression in both substantive knowledge and disciplinary understanding.
Learning is planned using the Believing and Belonging 2024–2029 syllabus and is adapted where appropriate to:
Make meaningful cross-curricular connections.
Link learning to significant religious festivals and events.
Reflect the diversity of our local community and wider society.
Respond to pupils' interests and experiences.
Involve parents, visitors and faith representatives in learning opportunities.
Children are encouraged to investigate, discuss, question, interpret and reflect. Lessons provide opportunities for pupils to develop both knowledge of religions and worldviews and an understanding of how beliefs influence individuals and communities.
Learning is recorded through a variety of outcomes, including:
Written work
Artwork
Discussion and debate
Presentations
Photography
Digital media and film
To enrich learning, pupils participate in visits to places of worship and engage with visitors from a range of faith and belief communities. These experiences help children develop authentic understanding through first-hand encounters and dialogue.
Key Stage 1
Pupils primarily study:
Christianity
Islam
Non-religious worldviews
Children also encounter aspects of other religions and beliefs through wider thematic learning and celebration of key festivals.
Key Stage 2
Pupils deepen and extend their understanding of:
Christianity
Islam
Judaism
Sikhism
Non-religious worldviews
Pupils also explore aspects of other religions and worldviews, enabling them to appreciate the rich diversity of beliefs found within Britain and the wider world.
The RE curriculum is inclusive, objective and academically rigorous. It does not seek to promote any particular faith or worldview but instead encourages informed understanding, respectful dialogue and critical enquiry. Through learning about religion and worldviews, pupils are encouraged to appreciate diversity while recognising the shared values and experiences that unite humanity.
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By the time pupils leave Meltham Moor, they have developed a secure and progressively deeper understanding of a range of religions and worldviews. They are able to make connections between beliefs, values and actions and understand how religion and worldviews influence individuals, communities and societies.
Pupils demonstrate:
Respect for diverse beliefs, cultures and traditions.
An ability to discuss complex questions thoughtfully and sensitively.
Strong skills in enquiry, reflection, interpretation and critical thinking.
An appreciation of their own beliefs, values and identity.
Confidence in expressing and justifying their views while respecting those of others.
A growing understanding of community, belonging and shared responsibility.
Religious Education makes a significant contribution to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and supports the promotion of British Values, including mutual respect and tolerance. Through their learning, children develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to become compassionate, reflective and active citizens in modern Britain.
At Meltham Moor, pupils enjoy learning about religions and worldviews. They leave primary school with curiosity about the world around them, respect for those whose experiences may differ from their own, and the confidence to engage positively in an increasingly diverse society.
