Our Vision for Religious Education

At Barford Primary School, our Religious Education curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and reflective of our rich diversity. Following the Birmingham SACRE Agreed Syllabus, pupils develop a deep understanding of Christianity and the principal world religions represented in Britain.

We believe every faith, belief and worldview deserves to be understood, respected and celebrated. Our curriculum promotes:

• Acceptance
• Tolerance
• Mutual respect
• Celebration of diversity

Through enquiry, discussion and reflection, pupils learn to appreciate different perspectives while confidently expressing their own views respectfully.

Curriculum Intent

Our RE curriculum ensures pupils:

• Understand Christianity and major world religions
• Explore non‑religious worldviews
• Learn through the 24 Birmingham SACRE dispositions
• Develop empathy, compassion, resilience and respect
• Use accurate religious vocabulary
• Reflect on their own values and identity
• Understand how beliefs shape lives, communities and cultures

The dispositions help pupils think deeply about belief, morality, identity and community, preparing them to become responsible citizens in modern Britain.

Curriculum Implementation

Birmingham SACRE Agreed Syllabus

RE is taught through a carefully sequenced syllabus that builds progressively from EYFS to Year 6. Pupils explore:

• Christianity
• Islam
• Sikhism
• Hinduism
• Judaism
• Buddhism
• Non‑religious worldviews

The 24 SACRE Dispositions

Learning is organised around dispositions that develop character, values and reflective thinking.

Early Years Foundation Stage

• Being Curious
• Being Thankful
• Being Kind and Helpful
• Being Caring and Compassionate

Key Stage 1

• Being Thankful
• Being Respectful
• Being Fair and Just
• Being Merciful and Forgiving
• Being Courageous and Confident
• Being Curious

Lower Key Stage 2

• Being Open, Honest and Truthful
• Being Loyal and Steadfast
• Being Reflective and Self‑Critical
• Being Hopeful and Visionary
• Being Generous and Charitable
• Being Temperate and Self‑Disciplined
• Being Thankful

Upper Key Stage 2

• Being Modest and Listening to Others
• Being Accountable and Living with Integrity
• Being Compassionate and Loving
• Being Imaginative and Explorative
• Being Silent and Attentive to Reflection
• Being Mindful of the Sacred
• Being Courageous and Confident
• Being Curious

These dispositions help pupils explore identity, belonging, morality, community and belief while making meaningful connections between religions and their own experiences.

Religious Vocabulary

Key vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited, enabling pupils to discuss:

• Beliefs
• Sacred texts
• Places of worship
• Festivals
• Traditions

with confidence and accuracy.

Discussion, Enquiry and Reflection

Lessons encourage:

• Respectful discussion
• Thoughtful questioning
• Comparison of beliefs and practices
• Exploration of similarities and differences
• Understanding of diversity within modern Britain

Curriculum Impact

By the end of Year 6, pupils:

• Understand Christianity and principal world religions
• Use accurate religious vocabulary confidently
• Recognise how beliefs influence lives and communities
• Demonstrate respect for different faiths and worldviews
• Appreciate diversity locally and globally
• Reflect on their own values and identity
• Are prepared to contribute positively to modern British society

They leave Barford as respectful, compassionate and reflective young citizens.

RE in Action

RE at Barford is about learning from one another.

Pupils engage in meaningful discussions, ask thoughtful questions and explore different beliefs respectfully. Our diverse school community provides rich opportunities for children to learn directly from one another’s experiences.

Pupils reflect on how religious teachings influence people’s lives and consider how they can make positive contributions to their own communities.

Enrichment Opportunities

Christmas at Summerfield Church

Nursery to Year 6 visit Summerfield Church each Christmas to retell the Nativity through songs and storytelling. Families join the celebration, strengthening community links and deepening understanding of Christian traditions.

Interfaith Birmingham Visits

Through our Interfaith partnership, pupils visit places of worship:

• Year 3: Birmingham Buddhist Peace Pagoda – meditation, peace and compassion
• Year 5: Smethwick Gurdwara – Sikh worship, Langar, equality and service
• Year 6: Masjid Usman Mosque – Islamic beliefs, prayer and community

These visits allow pupils to meet faith leaders, ask questions and experience religion first‑hand.

Celebrating Religious Festivals

Throughout the year, pupils celebrate festivals such as:

• Vaisakhi – founding of the Khalsa, assemblies, traditional colours
• Diwali – story of the Festival of Light, creative activities
• Christmas – worship, storytelling, community celebrations
• Eid – Ramadan, Eid‑ul‑Fitr, Eid‑ul‑Adha, themes of generosity and gratitude

These celebrations help pupils appreciate the rich diversity of faiths within our school and community.

Curriculum End Goals

Early Years Foundation Stage

Children recognise that people have different beliefs and celebrations. They talk about special people, places, stories and festivals, showing curiosity and respect.

Key Stage 1

Pupils understand key beliefs, stories, symbols and celebrations within Christianity and other major religions. They compare religions, ask thoughtful questions and explain how beliefs influence lives.

Key Stage 2

Pupils develop secure understanding of Christianity and principal world religions. They explain similarities and differences, evaluate questions about faith and identity, and use accurate religious vocabulary confidently. Guided by SACRE dispositions, they leave Barford as respectful, reflective and compassionate young people ready for life in modern Britain.