Religious Education
Our Religious Education curriculum offers pupils a comprehensive exploration of various world religions and values, providing them with the opportunity to engage thoughtfully with fundamental questions about life, beliefs, and moral responsibilities. Through a range of topics that encourage curiosity, empathy, and respect for others, our RE program helps children understand the significance of religion in people’s lives, both historically and in the contemporary world.
EYFS and KS1
The curriculum begins with foundational questions such as “Which stories are special and why?” and “Which people are special and why?” These early lessons introduce young learners to religious narratives and figures, helping them appreciate the significance of sacred stories and the diversity of spiritual beliefs. As they explore “Who is a Christian and what do they believe?” and “Who is a Muslim and what do they believe?”, children are introduced to basic religious concepts in an accessible way, making personal connections to the values of kindness, respect, and belief systems
In Year 2, pupils continue to explore the richness of different faiths with the question “Who is Jewish and what do they believe?” They also start to examine more specific aspects of religious belief, such as the role of sacred books and the significance of special times, like religious festivals. Questions like “What makes some places sacred?” and “How and why do we celebrate sacred times?” help students appreciate how rituals and symbols shape the way people practice their faith.
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| EYFS | Which stories are special and why? | Which places are special and why? Which times are special and why? | Where do we belong? What is special about our world and why? |
| Year 1 | Who is a Christian and what do they believe? | What makes some places sacred? How and why do we celebrate sacred times? (Easter) | What does it mean to belong to a faith community? |
| Year 2 | Who is a Muslim and what do they believe? Who is Jewish and what do they believe? | What can we learn from sacred books? How and why do we celebrate sacred times?(Eid-ul-Fitr) | How should we care for others and the world and why should it matter? |
Lower KS2
As students move into Key Stage 2, they start to deepen their understanding of religious beliefs and practices. In Year 3, they explore the importance of sacred texts, with a focus on “Why is the Bible important for Christians today?” and the profound teachings of Jesus in “Why is Jesus inspiring to some people?” The curriculum also asks, “What matters most to Christians and Humanists?” helping students draw connections between religious values and ethical decisions.
In Year 4, children focus on concepts like prayer and how different religions express their faith. The topic “Why do People Pray?” provides a deep dive into the role of prayer in various religious traditions, while “Is it better to express your beliefs in arts and architecture or in charity and generosity?” encourages children to think critically about the various ways people can demonstrate their faith.
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Year 3 | What do different people believe about God?(Christians & Hindus/Muslims) Why is the Bible Important for Christians Today? | Why is the Bible Important for Christians Today? What does it mean to be a Christian in Britain today? | Why are festivals important to religious communities? |
| Year 4 | Why is Jesus inspiring to some people? Why do People Pray? | Why do People Pray? Why do some people think that life is like a journey and what significant experiences mark this? | What does it mean to be a Hindu in Britain today? What can we learn from religions to decide what is right and wrong? |
Upper KS2
By Year 5, students begin to explore complex philosophical questions such as “Why do some people believe God exists?” and “What would Jesus do?” These lessons challenge children to consider how belief in God shapes people’s actions and worldviews. Students also consider different views on the nature of God across faiths and how these ideas influence daily life and practices.
The focus on comparative religion continues with a closer look at the practices of different faith communities in Britain today. “What does it mean to be a Christian in Britain today?” and “What does it mean to be a Muslim in Britain?” allow pupils to relate their learning to the modern world, making connections to the multicultural society in which they live.
In the final year of primary school, students explore more advanced themes and engage in reflective and critical thinking. Topics like “What does it mean to be a Hindu in Britain today?” and “What can we learn from religions to decide what is right and wrong?” encourage pupils to think about how religious beliefs impact both individual lives and society at large. They also explore the concept of suffering and resilience with questions such as “What do religions say to us when life is hard?” and consider how faith communities support their members through challenges.
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Year 5 | Why do some people believe God exists? What Would Jesus do? | What Would Jesus do? If God is everywhere, why go to a place of worship? What does it mean to be a Muslim in Britain? | What does it mean to be a Muslim in Britain? What Difference Does it Make? |
| Year 6 | Is it better to express yourbeliefs in arts andarchitecture or in charityand generosity? What matters most toChristians and Humanists? | What matters most toChristians and Humanists? | What do religions say to us when life is hard? |
Key Themes Across the Curriculum
Throughout their time in Gilmour Primary School, students explore key themes such as belonging, sacredness, morality, and the role of religion in shaping personal and collective identity. They consider the impact of religion on both individual lives and on society, learning about the significance of sacred books, places, festivals, and rituals.
The RE curriculum also helps children explore the moral and ethical teachings found within each faith, offering them opportunities to reflect on their values and the ways in which faith can guide them to make compassionate, responsible choices in their own lives.
Our RE curriculum emphasizes respect, open-mindedness, and understanding, empowering students to appreciate the diversity of religious beliefs while fostering a sense of shared humanity. By providing engaging lessons that build on prior knowledge and encourage critical thinking, we aim to equip our students with the skills they need to navigate the complexities of the modern world with empathy and respect for all faiths and belief systems.