‘Allowing all to live life in all its fullness. (John 10:10)’
INTENT
RE at St. Edward’s Church of England Academy is built upon our strong Christian ethos. RE provides the opportunities to learn about a variety of religions and worldviews including exploring some of life’s most difficult and testing questions. This aids pupils to explore their own beliefs whilst reflecting on those of others. The core values are at the heart of our curriculum with a particular emphasis on respect to enable pupils to flourish and embrace life in all its fullness.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
All pupils belong in RE lessons, whatever their faith or background. They are encouraged to explore ideas, challenge views respectfully, and think deeply about their own beliefs. We study Christmas and Easter, and pupils are guided to explain and reflect on their thinking. Our lessons focus on “So what?”—why learning matters and how it connects to themselves, their peers, and their wider community.
Year 5
Pupils begin by learning about the Academy’s Christian ethos and the idea of “living life in all its fullness.” They are introduced to the concept of Worldviews and then explore the Big Six religions, comparing similarities and differences. They study key Christian beliefs before finishing the year with an introduction to the Sikhi faith.
Year 6
Pupils start by exploring different beliefs about Creation, including Christian, other religious, and scientific perspectives, and consider whether science and religion can work together. They then study Stewardship and the responsibility humans have for the world. Later, pupils are introduced to Islam and learn why it continues to grow globally. The year ends with a unit on pilgrimage, comparing religious practices and discussing whether pilgrimage still holds significance today.
Year 7
Pupils revisit their Year 5 knowledge of Christianity and explore how Christians live out their faith today. They then study Evil and Suffering, considering a range of philosophical ideas and arguments. In the Conflict and Peace unit, pupils look at modern global conflicts, their causes, how they are presented in the media, and ways peace can be pursued across different worldviews. The year ends by returning to the Sikhi faith, comparing Dharmic and Abrahamic traditions.
Year 8
In their final year, pupils develop the deeper thinking skills needed for high school. They begin by studying Judaism and the historical and cultural context of the Holocaust. They then explore identity and shared humanity through an in‑depth study of Islam, including its origins, diversity, and portrayal in the media. Pupils finish the year with Agents of Change, learning about inspirational leaders and reflecting on how they can live courageously and purposefully themselves.
ASSESSMENT
In RE pupil’s complete knowledge checks within lesson as well as three summative assessments which assess the different skills and substantive knowledge obtained within different worldviews.
CULTURAL CAPITAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Year 5 visits to the Derby Faith Trail
Year 7 Visits to the St Edward’s Church
Year 8 Holocaust survivor visits
10:10 Ambassadors
Involvement in local Charity events
