Religious Education (RE) Subject Overview 

At Rise Park Primary and Nursery School, Religious Education (RE) is a vital part of our broad and balanced curriculum. It helps children explore big questions about life, develop a sense of identity and belonging, and understand the beliefs, values, and traditions of others in their community and the wider world. Our RE curriculum inspires children to be curious, respectful, and thoughtful citizens. Through engaging lessons, we encourage children to reflect on their own beliefs and experiences while learning about a variety of world religions and non-religious worldviews. We aim to promote mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding in a diverse society. 

We follow the Nottinghamshire Agreed Syllabus for RE, which provides a progressive and coherent structure for students as they progress through school. Pupils learn about the six major world religions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, and Buddhism), as well as non-religious perspectives such as Humanism. Key learning themes include: 

  • Beliefs and teachings: What do different religions believe? 
  • Practices and lifestyles: How do people express their beliefs? 
  • Celebrations and festivals: How are important religious events marked? 
  • Symbols and meaning: What do religious symbols represent? 
  • Reflection and belonging: What does it mean to belong to a faith or belief group? 

Agreed Syllabus 2021 2026 RE For All

Our RE lessons at Rise Park Primary and Nursery School are creative, inclusive, and thought-provoking. We use a range of strategies to engage learners, such as: 

  • Storytelling and drama 
  • Artefacts and visual prompts 
  • Discussions and debates 
  • Art and creative expression 
  • Visits to places of worship 
  • Talks from faith representatives 

We foster an environment where pupils feel safe to express their views and listen to others. Children are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and make personal connections to the material. 

Agreed Syllabus 2021 2026 RE For All

At Rise Park Primary and Nursery School, we are committed to ensuring all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), can access and enjoy RE. We also work closely with our SENDCo to ensure provision is regularly reviewed and adapted to meet the evolving needs of our learners. 

We support SEND pupils through: 

  • Differentiated planning: Lessons are tailored to meet individual learning needs, using simplified language, visual aids, and scaffolded tasks. 
  • Practical and multi-sensory activities: These help all learners, especially those with sensory needs, to engage fully with the subject. 
  • Use of technology: Audio, video, and interactive tools support understanding and communication. 
  • Additional adult support: Where needed, Teaching Assistants provide one-to-one or small group support during lessons. 
  • Pre-teaching and overlearning: Key vocabulary and concepts are introduced in advance to build confidence. 
  • Individualised resources: Symbols, word banks, and now/next boards help with focus and structure. 

We believe that Religious Education is essential for nurturing well-rounded, thoughtful, and respectful individuals who are ready to thrive in the modern world. By the end of their primary journey, children at Rise Park Primary and Nursery School will: 

  • Have a broad understanding of different religious and non-religious beliefs 
  • Show respect and empathy for others, regardless of background or belief 
  • Reflect on moral and spiritual questions with curiosity and care 
  • Be prepared for life in a diverse, multicultural society 

At Rise Park Primary and Nursery School, Religious Education (RE) is taught through engaging and well-structured lessons that support both knowledge and understanding. Retrieval activities are used regularly to help children recall and retain key learning, while mini-plenaries throughout lessons allow teachers to check understanding and address misconceptions in real time. RE is closely linked with other subjects such as history, geography, and PSHE, enabling children to make meaningful cross-curricular connections. At the end of each unit, assessment grids are completed to identify where each child is working within the unit’s objectives. These grids are then passed on to the next year group to support continuity and progression in learning. This approach ensures that every child builds a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding in RE as they move through the school.