At Bessemer Primary School, we strongly believe that an understanding of and appreciation for all religions and spiritual beliefs is an important part of our children’s education and personal development; an appreciation that is underpinned by our core school values: Respectful, Self-Aware and Supporting, Connected to the Community, Creative and Practical, Academically Ambitious and Progressive.

The teaching and learning of RE runs parallel with our PSHE curriculum, school and British Values. All of these contribute to the embedding of a fundamental understanding of what is right and wrong, where discrimination, racism and bullying is challenged and we all work together to make our school a warm, positive and safe place to be.

Lessons are creative, experiential and inclusive, utilising a range of teaching strategies and resources so the needs of all children can be met.

We encourage our children to draw upon their own experiences and those of friends and family, enriching their learning by ensuring it is collaborative. Each year group will think about a Big Question that will support their learning of each unit they are taught.

Early Years

In Early Years, the children will think about ‘What is special to themselves and others?’ The children will have the opportunity to learn and discuss different stories and philosophical themes around different religions such as Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism and Humanist views. The children will also have the opportunity to learn about different religious festivals. They will think about what is special to them or others.

Year One

During year 1 the children will think about ‘What it means to belong?’ They will have the opportunity to explore Christianity and think about how Christians show that they belong to their religion. They will also learn about how Christians celebrate Christmas. The children will explore how people from other faiths show that they belong to their

religion, these faiths being Sikhism and Hinduism. Year 1 will also think about what is special about living with friends and family and have the opportunity to talk about their experiences and listen to their peers.

Year Two

During Year 2 the children will think about ‘What can we learn from special stories?’

The children will look at why Jesus tell stories. They will also have the opportunity to understand why different books are special to different people. In year 2 the children will explore the concepts of forgiveness and peace. They will also learn about Easter and importance of special food and fasting. The children will discuss their thoughts and feelings of how we can look after the world.

Year Three

During Year 3 the children will think about ‘How are symbols and sayings important in religion?’ They children will think about how Jesus and Buddha make people stop and think. In year 3, the children will also explore significance of light and why it is important. The children will begin to understand the importance of Jewish place of worship this being a synagogue and also learn about he Hindu festival of Holi. In year 3 the children will begin to learn about the special symbols and signs used in religions.

Year 4

During year 4 the children will think about ‘What is important to people in my local community?’ They children will learn about how people from different religions worship at home and religious places of worship. The children will think about their local community and different religions and worldviews that are representing in their neighbourhoods.

Year 5

During year 5 the children will think about ‘What impact beliefs have on actions?’ The children will think about how inner forces effect how we think and behave. They will begin to think about how Christmas is celebrated worldwide. They will learn about Islam and why Muhammed and the Qur’an are important to Muslims. They will discuss and debate how animals should be treated as well as, delve into understanding what do religions and worldviews believe about God.

Year 6

During year 6 the children will think about ‘How important the similarities and differences between and within religions and world views?’ The children will look at how people express their beliefs through art in Christianity. They will look at what people believe about life after death. They will look at the importance of religious leaders and think about how they would design a celebration that is inclusive and includes everyone religious or not religious.