RE

RE Intent Statement

At Woodlands Religious Education (RE) is an exciting part of our curriculum where children are encouraged to explore big questions about life, beliefs, and values.

Through RE, our pupils learn about a wide range of religions and worldviews, including Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, and non-religious beliefs. We celebrate the diversity in our community and the wider world, helping children to understand and respect people with different faiths and traditions.

Our lessons are creative, engaging, and often include stories, role play, art, visits, and special celebrations. Pupils are given opportunities to reflect on their own beliefs and values while developing important skills such as empathy, curiosity, and respect.

We aim to:

• Help children understand key beliefs, practices, and traditions from different religions.
• Encourage respect, kindness, and open-mindedness towards others.
• Support children to ask thoughtful questions and develop their own sense of identity.
• Prepare pupils for life in a diverse and modern world.
• Religious Education at Woodlands is not just about learning facts – it’s about exploring what it means to live well together and to appreciate the richness of different cultures and communities.

Religious Education Implementation

National Curriculum states that: ‘Schools have to teach RE and Local councils are responsible for deciding the RE syllabuses.  We follow the Redbridge SACRE Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. The Agreed Syllabus specifies the minimum religions to be studied in depth as follows:

• KS1focus on Christianity andIslam.
• KS2focus mainly on Christianity, Hinduismand Judaism in Lower KS2.
• Christianity,Islam and Sikhism are mainly studied in Upper KS2 and non-religious worldviews are included for study.

At Woodlands we want children to experience awe and wonder – those special “wow” moments that inspire curiosity and respect. This might be hearing a powerful story, visiting a place of worship, celebrating a festival, or asking big questions about life. These moments make RE exciting, memorable, and meaningful for every child.

The outcomes in the children’s books are varied. There are a range of ways in which work is recorded. Children actively participate in debates, learning carousels, scenario based discussions and expressing their views through art.

Through Religious Education at Woodlands  we want our children to become:

• Curious learners who ask big questions about life and beliefs.
• Respectful friends who value people with different faiths and ideas.
• Thoughtful individuals who reflect on their own values and choices.
• Creative thinkers who can express beliefs through art, drama, and discussion.
• Open-minded citizens who are ready to live in a diverse and modern world.

RE helps children grow into caring, confident, and reflective young people. We look forward to sharing our RE journey with you this year. Look out for updates on our blog where we’ll post about special lessons, festivals we explore, and the creative work our pupils produce.