Religious Education
“RE is like the Tardis. Despite the small space it occupies in the curriculum, it is huge, encompassing nothing less than humanity’s most searching questions, its deepest hopes, the history of the world’s beliefs and their diverse manifestation in the modern world.”
NATRE
At Graven Hill Primary and Preschool, we believe that Religious Education (RE) plays a vital role in helping children to understand themselves, others and the wider world. RE encourages pupils to explore big questions about meaning, belief, values and identity, supporting their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Through high‑quality RE, children develop curiosity, respect and thoughtful reflection, learning to engage with different beliefs and worldviews in a considered and open‑minded way.
The Purpose of Religious Education
Religious Education is a statutory subject in all state‑funded schools in England and forms an essential part of a broad and balanced curriculum. At Graven Hill, RE is valued not only as a legal requirement, but as an important subject in its own right.
Our RE curriculum helps children to:
- Explore religious and non‑religious worldviews
- Understand how beliefs influence people’s lives and choices
- Reflect on their own ideas, values and experiences
- Develop respect for difference and diversity
RE has strong links with PSHE, Character Education, history and geography, supporting children’s understanding of community, culture and moral responsibility.
Our RE Curriculum
Religious Education is locally determined, rather than nationally prescribed. At Graven Hill, RE is taught in accordance with the requirements of the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) and is based on the Oxfordshire Agreed Syllabus.
In line with statutory guidance, the syllabus:
- Reflects the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are, in the main, Christian
- Takes account of the teaching and practices of other principal religions represented in Great Britain
Our RE curriculum has been developed by Trust‑wide specialists and is fully aligned with the county‑wide agreed syllabus. A copy of the curriculum we follow is available on request.
Knowledge, Enquiry and Reflection
RE at Graven Hill is built around knowledge, enquiry and reflection. Children are taught to:
- Learn about religions and beliefs
- Learn from religions and beliefs
- Ask thoughtful and respectful questions
- Compare ideas and explore similarities and differences
As pupils progress, they develop the ability to describe, explain and reflect on beliefs and practices, using appropriate vocabulary and expressing their ideas clearly and respectfully.
Respect, Diversity and Community
An important aim of our RE curriculum is to help children understand and appreciate diversity in beliefs, cultures and ways of life. Through learning about different religious traditions and worldviews, pupils develop empathy, tolerance and respect for others.
RE supports children in recognising shared values, as well as differences, and helps them to understand what it means to live in a diverse society. This learning contributes directly to pupils’ personal development and preparation for life in modern Britain.
RE, Character and Personal Development
Religious Education has strong links with our Personal Development and Character curriculum. Through RE, children explore values such as kindness, honesty, respect, forgiveness and responsibility, and reflect on how these values influence behaviour and choices.
RE provides space for children to consider moral questions and ethical dilemmas, supporting the development of thoughtful, reflective and principled individuals.
Preparing Children for the Future
Our Religious Education curriculum ensures that children leave Graven Hill with:
- Knowledge of a range of religious and non‑religious worldviews
- Respect and understanding for people of different beliefs
- The ability to ask questions and reflect deeply
- An understanding of how beliefs shape individuals and communities
- Skills to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with others
By combining knowledge, enquiry and reflection, our RE curriculum helps children to make sense of the world around them and their place within it — equipping them with understanding, empathy and curiosity that will serve them throughout their lives.