Religious Education

Subject Vision 

We believe our Religious Education (RE) curriculum should reflect the rich and diverse community of our local community here in Southwark, in London, across the UK and across the world. We study six world religions: Buddhism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity, and we conduct in-depth studies into the beliefs, practices, ethics and social action of Christianity and Islam.

Across their time with us, students will have the opportunity to examine the claims made by religion, to enjoy and understand the powerful stories behind religions, to gain an understanding of the diverse range of religious practices that takes place here in our city and to begin to see how religious beliefs influence social justice, community action and personal choices. As well as examining the theological, historical and sociological elements of religion, we have a focus on the visual culture behind world faiths. 

How do children learn RE at Goose Green?

In the Early Years, children begin to engage with world religions and different cultures through stories and discussions of their own experiences. They explore the traditions and foods linked to religious festivals and celebrations. 

In Key Stage 1, we introduce children to the basics of Christianity and Islam and encourage them to think about what it means for someone to believe in a God and how someone might be influenced by their religious beliefs. We have a big focus on storytelling with topics looking in-depth at the stories behind Easter, Christmas, the life of Muhammad and figures from the Old Testament.

In Key Stage 2, we build on those foundations to explore some of the ethical issues around religion, including religious responses to climate change, war, wealth and poverty. We look at the art and culture around religions, including the architecture and art history, as well as taking a deeper dive into the diversity and meaning at the heart of religious practices. In each year, we take a term to introduce students to a new religion: Judaism in Year 3, Sikhism in Year 4, Hinduism in Year 5 and Buddhism in Year 6. The RE curriculum culminates in a virtual trip at the end of Year 6 to explore Jerusalem and its important position in Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Lessons are structured to build upon prior knowledge. Questioning is used to scaffold and guide whole class discussions around the learning questions enabling students to gain a deeper understanding. In KS1 the focus is on discussion and in KS2 children have RE booklets in which to record their learning.

How do we know what children have learned?

• Questioning
• Pupil Learning Reviews 
• Learning walks
• Quizzing and retrieval practice
• Feedback and marking
• Progress matches the curriculum intent