Intent

At The Hayes Primary School, we are following the new Croydon SACRE Religious Education (RE) curriculum, which has been thoughtfully developed with input from a diverse range of voices, ensuring that it not only meets statutory requirements but also reflects the rich diversity of our community. At the heart of this curriculum is a commitment to promoting understanding, respect, and dialogue among students from all backgrounds. By exploring a wide range of religious and non-religious worldviews, students develop both empathy and insight, equipping them with the skills to navigate their journey through life with curiosity and respect.

This curriculum replaces the previous Agreed Syllabus of 2013 and its 2018 update, with a greater emphasis on worldviews and an expanded inclusion of Humanism as a non-religious worldview. The six major world faiths—Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Judaism—are covered throughout the key stages, alongside Humanism. We will also look to incorporate other religious and secular beliefs represented within our community.

Implementation

The curriculum is structured around key enquiry questions that encourage students to explore and reflect on religious and non-religious perspectives:

1. What does it mean to belong?
2. What is important to people?
3. What do different people believe about God?
4. How is my community special to me?
5. Why should we care about the world?
6. What do we need on life’s journey?

These questions are revisited throughout students’ education, ensuring a progressive and deepening understanding of faith, belief, and values.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1), children engage with stories, festivals, and key practices from different traditions, exploring how people express their beliefs and what matters to them. As they progress into Key Stage 2 (KS2) and beyond, they engage in deeper enquiry, using theological, philosophical, and sociological approaches to examine religious and non-religious perspectives on life’s big questions.

Adaptive teaching is continuously used throughout lessons, which allows teachers to tailor lessons to the diverse needs of their pupils. Lessons include a variety of teaching methods such as discussions, storytelling, debates, creative activities, and visits to places of worship. The curriculum also integrates local perspectives, fostering engagement with Croydon’s religious and cultural communities.

Impact

By the end of their RE education, students will have developed a well-rounded understanding of different religious and secular perspectives, enabling them to engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue. The curriculum nurtures critical thinking, empathy, and self-awareness, empowering students to approach moral and ethical issues with confidence. By emphasizing worldviews and the inclusion of Humanism, the curriculum fosters greater appreciation for diversity, helping to reduce prejudice and build social cohesion.

Additionally, the RE curriculum supports students’ personal development by encouraging them to reflect on their own values and beliefs. It prepares them to be responsible, open-minded citizens who can contribute positively to a multicultural and interconnected world.

How RE is taught throughout the school (Curriculum Mapping)