The teaching of Religious Education is vital for the development of each child as an individual.  RE contributes to our children’s development; further empowering them to become tolerant, understanding citizens, who live out the British Values and who are spiritually, morally, socially and culturally literate.

At St John's C of E Primary our aspiration is that every child should be a successful learner, confident individual, responsible citizen and an effective contributor to society and at work.

Religious Education seeks to make a major contribution to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils by helping them to acquire the knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other major religions represented in Britain. It also helps them to develop their own beliefs and values.

R.E plays a very important part in our broad, balanced and coherent curriculum to which all pupils are entitled to. Through using a variety of teaching techniques such as drama, art, discussion, use of artefacts, stories, pictures, periods of stillness and reflection, pupils have opportunities to learn both about religion and from religion.  

We follow the Understanding Christianity which aims to see pupils leave school with a coherent understanding of Christian belief and practice.  Pupils explore the significant theological concepts within Christianity as part of developing their wider religious, theological and cultural literacy.  

We also learn about other world faiths using the Kent Syllabus covering the Jewish, Hindu, Sikhi and Muslim faiths.  

INTENT at St John’s we aim to:

• give all pupils a coherent understanding of Christian belief and practice
• explore the significant theological concepts within Christianity. e.g. Incarnation, Salvation
• give pupils knowledge and understanding of major world religions, enabling them to live in a multi-cultural faith society
• provide time for personal reflection, questioning and philosophical enquiry and spiritual growth
• give pupils opportunities to take part in collective worship and mass

IMPLEMENTATION at St John’s we:

• use the Kent Agreed Syllabus supported by Understanding Christianity
• teach R.E. for 1 hour per week in KS1 and 1.5 hours per week in KS2
• look at the core texts, make connections and consider their impact on believers
• ensure lessons have creative opportunities and time for reflection 
• enhance RE learning through visits, outside speakers, artefacts and with our close links to the St John’s Church
• revisit theological concepts throughout the school to deepen understanding and ensure progression