At Heathcote Primary, we believe it is important that all of our pupils to learn from different religions, beliefs, values and traditions while exploring their own beliefs and questions of meaning. The aim of Religious Education in our school is to provide children with the opportunity to share their experiences and to listen to the ideas of others without making judgements.
Our pupils learn that there are many religions represented in Great Britain and that they can develop their own views as believers or nonbelievers. Our curriculum has been developed with the belief that Religious Education should play a central role in the promotion of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils and should provide a context for all pupils to learn what it is to become an active citizen. Through the teaching of Religious Education we also give our children the experience to visit different places of worship and also invite leaders of different faiths to visit our school.
Impact
The children at Heathcote, enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose or choose not to follow a religion. Through our high-quality Religious Education curriculum, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world, developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life.
Children leave Heathcote with the knowledge that being informed about Religious Education is invaluable in our changing world to promote inclusivity and community cohesion. They will have developed a positive ethos within Heathcote Primary School and their community around them, demonstrating mutual understanding and respect.
At Heathcote School we follow Jigsaw RE supplemented with extended opportunities from our local community, reflecting the ranges of faiths that we have within the school family (external visitors, for example).
Jigsaw RE is an enquiry-based scheme of work, covering the principal world faiths and humanism in a progressive way from Reception to Year 6. In the early years, the learning is closely matched to Development Matters to contribute meaningfully to the children’s holistic development. Throughout all the enquiries, the children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is carefully considered.
Each enquiry lasts for half a term and begins with a “big” question such as “What is the best way for a Christian/Jew/Muslim etc. to show commitment to God?” The children then start discussing the theme of the enquiry (in this case, commitment) from their own experience. What have they shown commitment to? Brownies? Cubs? Their sporting team? Playing an instrument?
Only when the children fully understand the concept they are considering, do they then move on to investigating what the people following the studied religion or worldview believe about it. They will spend approximately 3 lessons on this, learning in a variety of ways, so they can adapt their responses and come to a measured conclusion. In week 5 they will complete an activity which can assess their learning, by answering their “big” question. The assessment activities are child friendly and can be answered in a variety of ways, as long as the child can justify their view with the knowledge they have gained throughout the enquiry. This demonstrates the level of critical thinking that the children can apply – a valuable skill for them throughout the school curriculum.
The final week in every enquiry gives the children time to reflect on what they have learnt about the concept and apply to it their own lives, thus allowing them to form their own beliefs and identity. For example, learning that Sikhs share their food with all who attend has taught me ……… about sharing that I would like to take forward with me. These lessons are often very creative and children have opportunities to make items to express themselves in ways other than just writing.
Jigsaw RE gives schools a choice of which religions to teach in different year groups. At Heathcote Primary School we have chosen the following options as we feel this best suits the needs of our children and creates a cohesive approach to our topic planning.
RE Enrichment Opportunities
We enjoyed a very busy and enriching Autumn term in RE. Throughout the term, we celebrated Harvest and Christmas with assemblies led by Reverend Rob, marked Diwali and Inter Faith Week as a whole school, and took part in many exciting activities in the lead-up to Christmas.
In October, we celebrated Diwali as a school. Children from Hawthorn Class came to school wearing wonderful traditional clothing and confidently visited each class to explain the importance of Diwali. They shared the story of Rama and Sita, discussed the significance of the festival, and talked about how they celebrate Diwali with their own families. The children across the school thoroughly enjoyed learning from their peers, particularly seeing the diyas and mehndi after hearing about their meaning. Throughout the week, pupils produced fantastic work inspired by Diwali, including sharing stories, creating rangoli patterns, and using a variety of materials such as chalk and coloured rice.
Inter Faith Week is a UK-wide initiative held each November that brings together people of different religions and beliefs, including those with no religious affiliation. It highlights how individuals from all faiths and belief backgrounds can work together, share common values, build a sense of belonging, and make a positive difference. It also provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and break down misunderstandings.
To celebrate Inter Faith Week 2025, children from different year groups worked collaboratively to learn about a religion they do not usually study in their RE lessons. They explored key beliefs, symbols, traditions, and places of worship, and shared their learning through creative outcomes such as artwork and poetry. The week encouraged pupils to show curiosity, respect, and understanding, and it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the diversity within our school community.
In December, children in Reception and Year 1 applied their learning about the Christmas story through their Nativity performances. They confidently communicated the key messages of the Christmas story through beautiful acting and joyful songs, making it a special experience for all involved.
Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE)
We respect the rights of parents and guardians to make informed choices about their child's education. Under the Education Act, parents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education lessons if they feel it is in the best interest of their child. If you wish to exercise this right, please inform the school in writing, and we will ensure that alternative work is arranged for your child during RE lessons.
If you have any questions or need further clarification about this policy, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
