At St Peter’s we believe that RE is fundamental in developing pupil’s knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and world views. Our Curriculum gives opportunities for the children to think rigorously, creatively, imaginatively and respectfully. Pupils can weigh up for themselves the value of wisdom from different communities and respond by expressing insight into others’ lives. The development of this dialogue enables them to participate positively in a society diverse in religion and world views. Fundamentally, RE also gives pupils time and space to reflect and explore their own beliefs, values and identity.

Our teaching of Religious Education follows the guidance given in the latest Agreed Syllabus for Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire:-

Religious Education for All; The Agreed Syllabus for RE in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire (2021-2026).

The three-fold aims of RE in Nottingham City and the County will ensure that our pupils:

1. Know and understand a range of religions and world views which will allow them to recognise the diversity which exists in our city and wider society.

2. Can express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and the impact of religions and world views as they develop their own personal views on a range of issues

3. Develop and use skills which will assist them to engage seriously with religions and world views.

By following the Agreed Syllabus, RE will also contribute to a whole range of school priorities. Study of religious and world views will also promote spiritual, cultural, social and moral development, and will support pupils’ understanding of British Values such as acceptance and respect for others who hold different world views.

Alongside this document, we have also incorporated the ‘Understanding Christianity’ resource to support the teaching of Christianity. Each year, several ‘Understanding Christianity’ units are integrated into the syllabus with each year group using at least two UC units. RE at St Peter’s helps pupils to know and understand Christianity as a living world faith. Christianity is the predominant religion in Nottinghamshire. We believe that providing the children with knowledge and understanding of the primary faith in their community is invaluable. Throughout the Curriculum we also consider the impact and connection that Christianity has on Britain’s cultural heritage and the lives of people worldwide.

Christianity is covered in every year group, always aiming to revisit and build on prior knowledge and understanding. In Year 3 this begins with investigating Jesus and the concept of prayer through examination of Bible passages. In Year 3 the pupils also visit St Peter's Church, in order to explore a place of local worship. This learning is built on in Year 4, with a unit on spiritual expression. In Year 4 pupils also consider what it means to be a Christian and  inspirational people from the Bible. In Year 5 they not only look further at inspirational people - but what they can learn from great leaders in history. They also study the journey of life and death and the concept of a pilgrimage. In Year 6, pupils bring all of their prior learning together to reflect on what can be gained from the teachings and wisdom of Christianity. They also consider the importance of Christianity for the family, local community and when facing global issues such as human justice. The whole school focuses on the Salvation unit in the lead up to Easter which enables us to share our learning in Collective Worship.

At St Peters, alongside a focus on Christianity, we use the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education to enable our pupils to discover more about religion as well as other world views as we assist them to apply their learning to a range of topics. The teaching of a wide range of religions is instrumental in developing not only  the pupils' knowledge and understanding, but their tolerance and respect of others. Judaism, Islam and Hinduism are taught alongside Christianity, with similarities and differences between these religions always a predominant focus. In Year 3, Hinduism and its festivals are explored in conjunction with the History unit of work of India and in comparison to Christian festivals. In Year 4, they look at Islam and Christianity and how Muslim and Christian beliefs about God impact their lives. In Year 5, they consider the Journey of life and death for Judaism and Christianity. They also look at what a Pilgrimage means to different faiths. In Year 6 they study Judaism as part of their History unit on the Holocaust. 

The teaching of RE is rich and diverse involving discussing, debating, creating and performing. Therefore at St Peters we aim to embed RE alongside other Curriculum areas such as History, English, Art and Music. We provide a learning climate of honesty, tolerance and openness in our classrooms where pupils are given the opportunity to explore, reflect and ask challenging questions about life in a safe space.

If you would like further information on the curriculum we teach, please contact the school directly.