Religious Education
RE in Our School
At our school, we follow the Barking and Dagenham Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. In line with this syllabus, we carefully select topics that make learning in Religious Education enjoyable, meaningful and engaging for all pupils. Our lessons are designed to be stimulating, challenging and memorable, while also being closely linked to real-life experiences so that children can understand and connect with what they are learning.
We encourage pupils to ask thoughtful questions, share their ideas and reflect on their own beliefs and values. Through RE, children learn to respect and appreciate the beliefs, traditions and practices of others. This helps pupils to develop empathy, understanding and curiosity about the world around them, supporting them in becoming thoughtful and respectful members of the school community.
Intent
At Leys, our intention is for all pupils to develop a deeper understanding of different religions, beliefs and worldviews. We believe that RE plays a vital role in helping children make sense of the diverse world in which they live. Through high-quality RE teaching, pupils are encouraged to explore questions about meaning, belief, identity and values.
Our aim is for every child to develop respect, tolerance and an appreciation of diversity. We support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development by encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences while learning about the traditions and beliefs of others. RE at Leys also promotes critical thinking by inviting pupils to consider ethical and philosophical questions. Ultimately, we want our pupils to feel confident and prepared to live in a diverse and multicultural society such as the United Kingdom.
Implementation
At Leys, RE is implemented through a carefully planned and well-structured curriculum that reflects the expectations of the Barking and Dagenham Agreed Syllabus. Lessons are designed to be engaging and thought-provoking, encouraging pupils to explore religious beliefs and worldviews through discussion, reflection and enquiry-based learning.
Teachers use a wide range of resources to support learning, including stories, sacred texts, artefacts and real-life examples that help bring religious traditions and beliefs to life. Where possible, pupils are given opportunities to visit places of worship or hear from guest speakers, allowing them to deepen their understanding through first-hand experiences. Throughout lessons, teachers promote inclusive learning environments where respectful dialogue is encouraged and pupils feel confident sharing their thoughts and questions.
Impact
The impact of RE at Leys can be seen in pupils’ growing knowledge, understanding and respect for different beliefs and cultures. Through their learning, pupils are able to explain key beliefs, practices and values associated with a range of religions and worldviews. They develop the confidence to discuss moral and ethical issues thoughtfully and respectfully.
Pupils demonstrate curiosity and open-mindedness when exploring different perspectives, showing a genuine interest in understanding how people live and express their beliefs. As a result, children develop strong attitudes of respect, empathy and tolerance towards others. The RE curriculum therefore plays an important role in fostering positive attitudes towards diversity within the school community and preparing pupils to participate thoughtfully in modern society.
Right to withdraw
Religious Education is provided in accordance with the locally agreed syllabus.
Parents/Carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE.
Please contact the school office or Headteacher to discuss this.