Religious Education

At Orchard Grove, we believe that Religious Education plays a vital role in supporting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Our Religion & Worldviews curriculum is designed to foster respect, curiosity and open-mindedness, helping children to develop a strong sense of identity and belonging through self-awareness and reflection. It is not only a window into other peoples’ views and beliefs but an exploration of our own.

Our aim is to develop our pupils’ knowledge and understanding of beliefs and the world around them. In line with British Values, we teach our children to be respectful and tolerate those of different faiths and beliefs and encourage individual liberty.  We provide ambitious enquiry questions which encourage children to reflect and share their own judgements. 

Our curriculum teaches substantive knowledge about a range of religious and non-religious traditions, alongside developing pupils’ understanding of how we know about religion and worldviews - through approaches such as exploring faith texts and different sources of belief. Children also build personal knowledge by reflecting on lived experiences, enabling them to make meaningful connections between beliefs, values and everyday life.

We take an enquiry-based approach, encouraging pupils to ask and explore big questions such as:

• How do Christians and non-religious people deal with difficult times?

• What influences how religious and non-religious people choose to dress?

• What can we learn from psychology and theology about the idea of God?

Through this approach, pupils develop an appreciation of how beliefs and cultural practices influence individuals and communities at a local, national and global level.

Religious Education and Worldviews is taught weekly by class teachers and is supported by the Somerset Agreed Syllabus and covers all six major religions. In each religion we explore the areas of religious texts, places of worship, religious celebrations, Gods, foods specific to that religion and religious symbols. Children also take part in half-termly religious assemblies across the six religions and participate in workshops linked to different faiths and beliefs. These are delivered by teachers, school staff, parents/carers and community members.

Our children enjoy learning about the diversity of faiths and beliefs, and develop the ability to make links between their own lives and those of others. Through their learning, they grow in sensitivity, self-esteem, open-mindedness and a sense of wonder about the world. In an ever-changing and interconnected world, RE at Orchard Grove equips pupils with the understanding and empathy needed to thrive in a diverse society.

Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE. Please contact the school regarding this.