Religious Education (RE)
Curriculum Overview
Religious Education at Sunshine Academy
Our vision for our Religious Education (RE) curriculum is based on the national guidance and follows the Walsall Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2026–2031.
Walsall is a vibrant and diverse borough. Our population includes significant communities of Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs, as well as smaller communities including Jews, Jains, Buddhists and members of the Baháʼí faith. Walsall is a culturally diverse borough where people of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage form some of the largest minority ethnic groups. Many children in Walsall also come from families who hold non-religious worldviews.
Our RE curriculum enables all learners to share their experiences, learn from one another and develop their understanding of the religions and worldviews represented within our local, national and global communities.
In line with the law, the Walsall Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education enables pupils to explore Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, as well as Christianity. RE also provides opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding of diversity, respect for others and the values that underpin life in a democratic and pluralistic society. It contributes to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
RE is not coercive. It does not encourage pupils to adopt or reject particular religious beliefs or practices. Instead, RE enables pupils to develop knowledge and understanding of different religions and worldviews and to reflect thoughtfully on their own beliefs and values.
Through RE, pupils:
- Explore challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs, the self, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human.
- Develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal religions and a range of religious and non-religious worldviews.
- Explore their own beliefs and values, whether religious or non-religious, in the light of what they learn.
- Develop their sense of identity and belonging and their understanding of their place within their community and wider society.
- Develop respect and understanding for people with different faiths, beliefs and worldviews and learn to challenge prejudice and discrimination.
- Consider their responsibilities to themselves and others and explore how they can contribute positively to their communities and wider society.
- Develop empathy, generosity and compassion towards others.
As such, RE is relevant to every pupil and every citizen of Walsall. It helps pupils to become knowledgeable, thoughtful and respectful members of a diverse society.
Religious Education in the Early Years
In the Early Years, children develop their understanding of religion, beliefs and different worldviews through the Understanding the World area of learning. This is explored through meaningful conversations, circle-time discussions, adult-led activities, stories, celebrations and experiences, as well as through children's play and independent exploration.
Children are encouraged to talk about their own experiences, families and communities and to develop curiosity and respect for the beliefs, cultures and traditions of others.
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In KS1 children engage with RE on a weekly basis through lesson of approximately 1 hour following the Walsall SACRE syllabus and also via specific celebrations acknowledged by our children which we may also discuss and learn about as they arise throughout the year. The specific curriculum aims for religious education in Walsall are to ensure that all pupils: A. Know about and understand a range of religions and world views, so that they can: Describe, explain and examine beliefs and practices, recognising the diversity which exists within and between communities. Identify, investigate and respond to questions posed by, and responses offered by some of the sources found in religions and world views. Appreciate and appraise the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning.
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B. Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and world views, so that they can: Explain reasonably their ideas about how beliefs, practices and forms of expression influence individuals and communities. Express with increasing sensitivity their personal reflections and critical responses to questions and teachings about identity, diversity, meaning and value.
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C. Gain and deploy the skills needed to engage seriously with religions and world views, so that they can: Find out about and investigate key concepts and questions of belonging, meaning, purpose and truth, responding creatively. Enquire into what enables different communities to live together respectfully for the wellbeing of all; Articulate beliefs, values and commitments clearly in order to explain reasons why they may be important in their own and other people’s lives.
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Right of withdrawal
Religious Education (RE) is an important part of our curriculum. It provides pupils with opportunities to learn about a range of religious and non-religious worldviews, develop their understanding of different beliefs and practices, and consider questions about meaning, values and human experience.
Parents and carers have a legal right to request that their child is withdrawn from all or part of Religious Education. This right also applies to religious worship or collective worship, which is subject to separate legal provisions.
If you are considering withdrawing your child from RE, we encourage you to contact the Headteacher to discuss your request. This will provide an opportunity to explain the aims and content of the RE curriculum and to discuss the arrangements that would be made for your child if they are withdrawn.
Where a pupil is withdrawn from RE, the responsibility for providing religious education outside the school's RE provision rests with the parent or carer.
Our Commitment to SEND and Inclusion
Our Commitment to SEND and Inclusion in Religious Education
Weblinks
KS1 Religious Education - England - BBC Bitesize