Citizenship & RE

Our Vision:  'One world where we all fit in'

Intent - What does RE look like at Sandcross?

At Sandcross Primary, we believe that it is important for all our pupils to learn from and about religion, so that they can understand the world around them. The aim of Religious Education in our school is to help children to gain and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other main religions represented in Great Britain and across the world; to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape lives and behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and deepen their understanding of moral issues and enhance their cultural, social, moral and spiritual development.  The teaching of RE is found at the heart of our 6 curriculum drivers: diversity, oneness, health, interdependence, adaptation and cycles and compliments our values and curriculum aims.

Our RE curriculum is designed to challenge, develop and nurture the “Whole Child‟ with a mission of “Inspiring Lifelong Success‟. 

Implementation - So, how are we going to deliver this? 

Religious Education is taught both discretely throughout the school and as mini topics in some year groups when appropriate, to reflect the overall aims, values, and drivers of the school, following the Surrey Diocese scheme of work as the basis for our curriculum.  The following religions are included in the curriculum content: Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam. 

In the Early Years Foundation stage, the learning outcomes are referenced to Christianity and its links with other beliefs and cultures.  In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, Christianity is studied and one other main religion each year in some depth.  This enables the children to deepen their understanding of one of our school drivers; diversity as this provides many opportunities for discussion and a deeper understanding of a range of cultures and beliefs.

We acknowledge that each religion studied can contribute to the education of all of our pupils.  We promote the inclusion of first hand experiences wherever possible. We have developed  links with St Luke’s Church, Reigate and they offer support to each year group with the planning and delivery of one unit per year group.  We also offer trips to local churches at important times of the year (such as Christmas and Easter) to take part in workshops, to immerse the children in their learning and provide memorable life experiences.  Currently, we are developing links with speakers from the other main religions taught so that our children can further develop their understanding of the many beliefs, traditions and festivals celebrated throughout the year. 

Impact - What difference is this curriculum making to our children? 

The children at Sandcross Primary enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose, or choose not to follow a religion. They have inquisitive minds and are encouraged to build on and challenge the ideas and opinions of others, to further deepen their understanding of the principles of the World religions.  Through their R.E. learning, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world, developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life.