RE Subject Policy

Mrs Goldie is the Religious Education (RE) Subject Leader at Thomas Willingale School and Nursery.

At Thomas Willingale School and Nursery, we believe that Religious Education plays an important role in helping children understand themselves, others and the diverse world in which they live. Through our RE curriculum, we aim to develop pupils' religious literacy, encourage curiosity about different beliefs and worldviews, and enable children to reflect thoughtfully on questions about identity, belonging, values and meaning.

Our RE curriculum is designed to build on prior learning and provide children with opportunities to think deeply, ask questions and engage in meaningful discussion. Following the Essex Agreed Syllabus and the Saffron Academy Trust scheme of learning, pupils explore Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and a range of other religions and worldviews through an enquiry-based approach.

We want our children to:

• develop knowledge and understanding of different religions, beliefs and worldviews
• show respect, empathy and tolerance towards others
• think critically and ask thoughtful questions about religion, morality and human experience
• articulate their ideas and opinions confidently using subject-specific vocabulary
• reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences
• understand how beliefs and worldviews influence individuals, communities and society

We achieve this through quality first teaching, where all children are supported and challenged to succeed. Lessons are carefully planned to build knowledge over time and provide opportunities for discussion, reflection and enquiry. Teachers use high-quality questioning to deepen thinking, encourage curiosity and develop children's ability to reason, justify and evaluate different viewpoints.

Our curriculum reflects the school's drivers of Oracy, Community and Environment, Independence and Positive Growth. Children are encouraged to express their ideas confidently, listen respectfully to others and make connections between their learning and the wider world. Through engaging lessons, visitors and meaningful discussions, pupils develop resilience, independence and an appreciation of diversity.

Assessment is ongoing through discussion, observations and pupils' work. Children also complete knowledge quizzes at the beginning and end of the academic year, helping teachers to identify prior learning, measure progress and evaluate how well key knowledge has been retained over time.

Through Religious Education, we aim to nurture informed, reflective and respectful young people who are prepared to contribute positively to a diverse society and leave Thomas Willingale with a strong sense of belonging, high aspirations and the confidence to become lifelong learners.