At Chapelford Village Primary School, we believe it is essential for our children to learn about religion and the culturally diverse world in which we live. Our Religious Education (RE) curriculum plays a vital role in helping children develop an understanding of the beliefs, values, and traditions that shape different cultures and communities. Through engaging enquiry questions, pupils not only develop their knowledge of the world around them but also deepen their awareness, respect, and understanding of others’ beliefs.

We encourage our pupils to ask thoughtful questions, reflect on their own beliefs and values, and appreciate the experiences that make each person unique. This approach promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding across different cultures, helping our children become respectful, empathetic individuals.

Enriching the RE Learning Experience

To enhance our RE curriculum, we are developing a link with St James’ Church, our local church, which plays an important role in supporting the children’s learning. We have arranged some visits to the church and have invited visitors to the school to bring learning to life. These interactions help students build connections with Christianity, as well as deepen their understanding of other faiths.

Year 4’s Visit to St James’ Church

Recently, Year 4 enjoyed a wonderful trip to St James’ Church where they were able to explore key aspects of their Christianity unit, which they had studied in the previous half term. The trip also linked to their current learning around shared human experiences and the search for personal meaning.

During the visit, the children explored the key features of the church, discussed the various ceremonies that take place throughout the year, and learned interesting facts about the history of the Parish. One of the highlights of the trip was the opportunity for some children to dress up in a variety of robes, giving them a hands-on experience of church traditions. We’d like to express our thanks to the staff and volunteers at St James' Church for their warm welcome and support in making this trip such a memorable experience for the children.

Year 3’s Upcoming Trip

Next up, Year 3 will be going on a similar trip to St James' Church to further their learning about Christianity. This visit will offer them a chance to connect with their current RE topics and explore the same rich learning opportunities that Year 4 enjoyed.

A Message from Mrs Tickle, RE Lead

As the RE lead at Chapelford Village Primary School, I am proud of the way our children engage with RE and approach learning with curiosity and open-mindedness. We continue to strive to create an environment where pupils feel comfortable asking questions and exploring diverse perspectives, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. By experiencing visits to places of worship and interacting with members of different faith communities, we are providing our children with valuable insights into the world around them, which will support their personal, social and emotional development as they continue they grow.