Our Religious Education (RE) curriculum is based on the national guidance and follows the Walsall Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2026–2031.
Our vision for Religious Education (RE) is to provide pupils with opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of a range of religious and non-religious worldviews. Through RE, pupils are encouraged to ask questions, explore different beliefs and practices, consider their own ideas and learn to respect the views and beliefs of others.
As a school in Walsall, our RE curriculum reflects the diverse community in which we live. Walsall is home to people from a wide range of religious and non-religious backgrounds, including significant Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities, as well as Jewish, Jain, Buddhist, Baháʼí and other communities.
Our curriculum enables pupils to explore Christianity alongside other major world religions, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, as well as a range of non-religious worldviews. Pupils are encouraged to make connections between their learning and the diverse beliefs and experiences they encounter within their local, national and global communities.
RE is an inclusive and non-coercive subject. It does not seek to promote or discourage any particular religious belief. Instead, pupils learn about different religions and worldviews and are given opportunities to reflect thoughtfully on their own beliefs, values and ideas.
Through RE, pupils develop their ability to:
- develop knowledge and understanding of different religions and worldviews;
- ask thoughtful questions about beliefs, values and meaning;
- understand and respect different perspectives;
- reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences;
- recognise the diversity of religious and non-religious beliefs within our society; and
- develop the knowledge and understanding needed to participate positively in a diverse and pluralistic society.
We believe that high-quality RE contributes to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and helps them to develop respect, empathy and understanding for others.
Our RE curriculum follows the Walsall Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education and is adapted to reflect the needs and context of our pupils and our local community.
A minimum 5% of curriculum time is required for teaching RE.
This means in practice that schools are expected to allocate:
· Key Stage 1: 36 hours of tuition per year (e.g. 50 minutes a week or some short sessions implemented through continuous provision)
· Key Stage 2:45 hours of tuition per year (e.g. an hour a week, or less than an hour a week plus a series of RE days)
In Early Years the children learn about RE through the subject Understanding of the World through circle time discussions, adult led activities and during their play and independent choice.
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The curriculum for religious education aims to ensure that all pupils: A. Know about and understand a range of religions and world views, so that they can: Describe, explain and examine beliefs and practices, recognising the diversity which exists within and between communities. Identify, investigate and respond to questions posed by, and responses offered by some of the sources found in religions and world views. Appreciate and appraise the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning.
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B. Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and world views, so that they can: Explain reasonably their ideas about how beliefs, practices and forms of expression influence individuals and communities. Express with increasing sensitivity their personal reflections and critical responses to questions and teachings about identity, diversity, meaning and value.
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C. Gain and deploy the skills needed to engage seriously with religions and world views, so that they can: Find out about and investigate key concepts and questions of belonging, meaning, purpose and truth, responding creatively. Enquire into what enables different communities to live together respectfully for the wellbeing of all; Articulate beliefs, values and commitments clearly in order to explain reasons why they may be important in their own and other people’s lives.
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Right of withdrawal
Religious Education (RE) is an important part of our curriculum. It provides pupils with opportunities to learn about a range of religious and non-religious worldviews, develop their understanding of different beliefs and practices, and consider questions about meaning, values and human experience.
Parents and carers have a legal right to request that their child is withdrawn from all or part of Religious Education. This right also applies to religious worship or collective worship, which is subject to separate legal provisions.
If you are considering withdrawing your child from RE, we encourage you to contact the Headteacher to discuss your request. This will provide an opportunity to explain the aims and content of the RE curriculum and to discuss the arrangements that would be made for your child if they are withdrawn.
Where a pupil is withdrawn from RE, the responsibility for providing religious education outside the school's RE provision rests with the parent or carer.
How to support children with SEN
RE and SEN pupilsHow we challenge more able pupils
RE and more able pupilsOur RE Curriculum
For more information on what your child learns in the weekly Religious Education (RE) lessons please see the MTP below...
RE reception overview Discrete lessons weekly.pdf
If you want further information about the curriculum content your child is covering please call the school office to arrange an appointment to see the subject leader.
Useful websites
Using the BBC website is extremely useful for showing videos of different religions. (KS1)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zxnygk7
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ks1-religious-studies/zmtvwty
Using the BBC website is extremely useful for showing videos of different religions. (KS2)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z7hs34j
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ks2-religious-studies/z6pbqp3
All year groups:
https://kids.kiddle.co/Religion
Kiddle is a really good search engine for children which is safe for them to use.
Beacon Academy is not responsible for content on external sites, including advertisements.
