Black Country Schools: Religious Education (RE) Curriculum

A Curriculum That Develops Knowledgeable, Reflective, and Respectful Thinkers

At Black Country Schools, Religious Education is a vital subject that enables pupils to explore questions of meaning, belief, and identity. Through structured and progressive learning, pupils develop a deep understanding of religious traditions and non-religious worldviews, respect for diversity, and the ability to think critically about moral and ethical issues.

Our curriculum is built on the Dudley Agreed Syllabus and adapted to align with the CUSP teaching cycle. It is designed to be knowledge-rich, vocabulary-led, and enquiry-based, ensuring that children learn about religion and from religion in equal measure.

Curriculum Structure and Principles

We follow the Jigsaw RE programme, mapped to the Dudley Agreed Syllabus, and adapted through the CUSP framework to ensure clarity, progression, and challenge. Pupils study a broad and balanced range of worldviews, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Hindu Dharma (Sanatana Dharma), and Humanism.

Each unit follows a clear teaching cycle:

1. Connect – Revisiting previous learning and retrieving key vocabulary and concepts
2. Explain – Explicit instruction of religious vocabulary, beliefs, and practices
3. Example – Use of storytelling, artefacts, and role play to model religious thinking
4. Attempt – Pupils explore ideas through talk, writing, drama, or creative tasks
5. Apply – Making links between religious teachings and real-world moral issues
6. Challenge – Deepening understanding through dilemmas, reflection, and debate

Religious Education in EYFS

In Early Years, RE is embedded within the 'Understanding the World' area of learning. Children begin to:

• Recognise that others may hold beliefs, traditions, or celebrations different from their own
• Explore places of worship and learn about religious stories through books and storytelling
• Celebrate a range of religious festivals and learn about special people in different faiths
• Develop respectful listening and discussion skills

These early encounters with faith and belief provide a secure foundation for Key Stage 1.

Distinctive Features of Our RE Curriculum

• Vocabulary-rich instruction ensures that pupils speak and write confidently about religion and belief
• Systematic progression ensures that key concepts and worldviews are revisited and deepened over time
• Real-life application enables pupils to explore moral issues such as kindness, justice, and environmental responsibility
• Community engagement enriches learning through visits to places of worship and workshops with faith leaders
• School values of respect, perseverance, and reflection are embedded into RE content and discussion
• Enquiry-led learning prompts pupils to ask and explore big questions about life, belief, and the world around them

RE Beyond the Classroom

RE is integrated into school life through:

• Assemblies that reflect key religious themes and moral questions
• Charity work linked to religious teachings on compassion and generosity
• Whole-school celebrations of religious festivals
• Oracy-driven learning, including partner talk, storytelling, and debates
• Educational visits to churches, mosques, synagogues, and gurdwaras

These experiences enhance pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.

Assessment and Impact

Assessment in RE focuses on knowledge, understanding, and reflection. Teachers use:

• Written tasks, discussions, and creative responses to capture pupil understanding
• Retrieval tasks to strengthen long-term retention of vocabulary and concepts
• Pupil voice and oracy to assess depth of thought and ability to articulate beliefs
• Links to school values to celebrate reflective, respectful learning

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are able to confidently explain and compare different beliefs, show respect and empathy towards others, and apply religious and moral teachings to their own lives.

Further Information

For access to planning documents, vocabulary overviews, or to discuss RE implementation across the federation, contact RE Lead Liz Garner at info@brockmoor.dudley.sch.uk.