RE
Intent:
At the Spirit Federation, our Religious Education (RE) curriculum is rooted in our vision of "Living for life in all its fullness," aligned with our mission to change lives, achieve excellence and foster whole-person growth. At Barnack, this is expressed through our Christian distinctiveness and our commitment to nurturing all children as individuals made in the image of God. We believe that learning is life-transforming, enabling students to flourish academically, emotionally and spiritually. Through RE, we develop not only knowledge, but also moral insight, empathy and a strong sense of identity.
Our curriculum helps pupils explore three central questions:
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What makes us who we are?
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How does adversity inspire courage and creative possibilities?
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In an ever-changing world, how can the choices we make have an impact?
By engaging with these questions, pupils explore key religious and moral concepts such as creation, God's relationship with humanity, forgiveness, salvation and ethical living. We aim to cultivate respect and intercultural understanding, equipping children to navigate a multi-faith world with compassion and responsibility.
Implementation:
At Barnack, RE is delivered through a blend of experiential, story-based and thematic approaches in the early years. As children progress, learning becomes more enquiry-led and reflective. Pupils take part in visits to places of worship, use religious artefacts and engage in discussion-based learning that deepens understanding. As a Church of England school, we follow the locally agreed syllabus alongside guidance from the Diocese, ensuring a strong foundation in Christian theology while exploring world faiths. Collective worship and our Christian values underpin our broader curriculum and create space for spiritual reflection.
Impact:
The RE curriculum at Barnack is designed to have a holistic and transformative impact on our students. By the end of their RE education, pupils will have a secure understanding of the world’s major religions, their beliefs and cultural significance. They will be able to think critically, reflect spiritually and compare diverse perspectives. Through RE, children will grow in empathy, develop moral reasoning and form respectful, inclusive relationships with others. They will be well prepared to contribute positively to their communities and live with integrity in a diverse world.