At Bridge & Patrixbourne Church of England Primary School, we are proud to offer a rich and varied Religious Education (RE) curriculum that reflects our commitment as a maintained primary school and our Christian foundation. Our RE provision is designed to nurture pupils’ understanding of a wide range of faiths and worldviews while fostering respect, creativity, and thoughtful enquiry.
Our Approach to Religious Education
Religious Education at Bridge & Patrixbourne is more than learning about beliefs; it is about exploring meaning, purpose, and values through an enquiry-based approach. Pupils are encouraged to ask their own questions about religion, think creatively, and develop personal responses that deepen their understanding of the world. This approach helps pupils build religious literacy, enabling them to appreciate how different people live out their values and how these values connect to their own lives.
As a Church of England school, the teaching of Christianity is central to our RE curriculum. We use the Understanding Christianity resource, which engages pupils with significant theological concepts and biblical texts, helping them to connect Christian teachings with their own experiences and questions.
Alongside Christianity, pupils learn about other religions and worldviews through the Diocese of Canterbury Agreed Syllabus. This ensures a balanced curriculum that fosters respect and highlights common threads between different faiths, helping pupils to appreciate diversity and continuity within religious traditions.
How RE Reflects Our Vision and Values
Our RE curriculum embodies the school’s vision based on John 15:5: “I am the vine, you are the branches...” This vision inspires us to grow together in a loving Christian community where every pupil can flourish. The values of Service, Forgiveness, Trust, Generosity, and Compassion are woven throughout RE lessons, encouraging pupils to live out these principles in their daily lives and relationships.
We believe that RE supports pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development, helping them become compassionate and resilient individuals who can make a positive difference in the world.
Aims of Religious Education at Bridge & Patrixbourne
In line with the Church of England Statement of Entitlement for Religious Education, our curriculum aims for all pupils to:
- Know about and understand Christianity as a diverse, global, living faith through exploring core beliefs and engaging critically with biblical texts.
- Gain knowledge of a range of religions and worldviews, appreciating diversity, continuity, and change within these traditions.
- Engage with challenging questions about meaning and purpose raised by human experience.
- Recognise the ongoing influence of religion in Britain’s cultural heritage and in societies worldwide.
- Explore their own spiritual, religious, and philosophical ideas, encouraging personal reflection and growth.
Inclusion and Access
RE at Bridge & Patrixbourne is inclusive and accessible to all pupils, reflecting our commitment to equity and excellence. We provide high-quality resources and learning opportunities tailored to meet the diverse needs of our school community, including those with English as an Additional Language and Special Educational Needs.
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from RE if they wish. We encourage open dialogue and invite parents to discuss this with the headteacher to understand the importance of RE within our curriculum. We do not support selective withdrawal from parts of the RE curriculum.
Parental Support
We welcome you to explore more about our RE curriculum and how it contributes to your child’s education and personal development. If you have any questions or wish to discuss the RE programme or withdrawal arrangements, please contact the headteacher to arrange a meeting.
