Our Intent – What we want for our children
At Barley Fields, we aim to help children understand themselves, others, and the world around them. Our RE curriculum nurtures curiosity, respect, and tolerance for a diverse range of religious and non-religious worldviews.
We want children to develop a strong sense of identity and community, reflect on their own beliefs and values, and appreciate the beliefs of others. Through RE, children become thoughtful, open-minded learners, equipped to navigate a world of differing cultures, traditions, and perspectives.
Our Implementation – How We Teach RE
Our spiral RE curriculum starts in Early Years and continues through to Year 6, gradually building knowledge and understanding. Children explore a wide range of worldviews, including:
- Christianity
- Islam
- Judaism
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Sikhism
- Non-religious perspectives
Learning is organised through key strands: Belonging, Festivals, Sacred Texts, Beliefs and Practices, Places of Worship, Founders and Leaders.
Lessons are enquiry-based, encouraging children to:
- Compare religions and worldviews
- Discuss and debate beliefs and philosophical questions
- Handle artefacts and explore sacred texts
- Use drama, art, music, and reflection to express ideas
- Participate in multi-faith events, visits, and quiet reflection
RE is taught weekly, supported by high-quality resources, structured lesson sequences, and our curriculum character Rory RE, which help children understand the skills and knowledge expected at each stage.
Our Impact – The difference it makes.
Our RE curriculum helps children:
- Develop a deep understanding of a range of worldviews
- Reflect on their own beliefs and values
- Discuss and debate life’s big questions confidently
- Respect and appreciate beliefs and practices different from their own
- Become thoughtful, tolerant, and curious global citizens
Progress is assessed through children’s work, discussions, curriculum floor books, and monitoring by staff. By the time children leave Barley Fields, they are confident, open-minded, and prepared to engage positively with their local and global communities.
Religious Education (RE) Withdrawal Information
In the UK, parents have the legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education (RE). This can be done without giving a reason, but parents who choose to do so are responsible for providing their own RE provision at home. This right applies to all children in all schools, whether or not the school has a religious designation.
At Barley Fields, we value the important role RE plays in supporting children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, as well as promoting Fundamental British Values.
If you are considering withdrawing your child from RE, we kindly ask that you contact Mrs Taylor through the school office to arrange a discussion. This helps us work together to ensure the best experience for your child.