Religious Education

Intent

At Sunnyside Primary Academy, our RE curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, promote respect, and build understanding of the diverse religious and non-religious worldviews that shape our community and beyond. In line with the West Northamptonshire SACRE Agreed Syllabus and our whole-school curriculum vision, RE is underpinned by our five curriculum pillars:

• Aspiring for Excellence – Pupils are encouraged to think critically, ask deep questions, and reflect on their own beliefs and values.
• Enriching Language and Communication – Through dialogue, discussion, and written reflection, children develop the language needed to express and compare beliefs and values respectfully.
• Cultivating a Strong Community – RE fosters empathy, respect, and tolerance, helping pupils appreciate the beliefs of others and contribute positively to our diverse society.
• Broadening Horizons – Children explore global religions and worldviews, encountering diverse perspectives that help them better understand themselves and others.
• Building a Knowledge-Rich Foundation – Our curriculum provides structured, sequential knowledge of key religious concepts, practices, festivals, and moral teachings.

RE at Sunnyside prepares children to be thoughtful, tolerant citizens, who value the role of faith and belief in the lives of others.

Implementation

We use the Jigsaw RE scheme to support our delivery of high-quality RE lessons that meet the statutory requirements of the West Northants SACRE Agreed Syllabus. Jigsaw’s enquiry-based approach complements our whole-school emphasis on rich vocabulary, curiosity, and inclusive practice.

Key elements of our implementation include:

• Coherent Progression – Learning is sequenced to build understanding from EYFS through to Year 6, revisiting core beliefs, practices, and festivals in increasing depth.
• Inclusive Pedagogy – Lessons are adapted to be fully inclusive, respecting all faiths and worldviews and ensuring all pupils, including those with SEND, can access and engage meaningfully.
• Enquiry-Led Learning – Each unit is framed around a big question, promoting higher-order thinking, reflection, and discussion.
• Cross-Curricular Links – We make meaningful links with SMSC, PSHE (also delivered through Jigsaw), English, and History to deepen learning and relevance.
• Experiential Learning – Children engage in artefact exploration, visits to places of worship, guest speakers, drama and role play to bring learning to life.
• Formative and Summative Assessment – Teachers assess understanding through questioning, pupil voice, work scrutiny, and end-of-unit reflections.

Impact

By the end of their time at Sunnyside, pupils will:

• Know key facts, beliefs, and practices of major world religions and non-religious worldviews.
• Understand how religion influences individuals and communities, and how people find meaning and identity through belief.
• Reflect thoughtfully on their own beliefs and values, demonstrating empathy and respect for others.
• Articulate their thoughts using a growing religious vocabulary, showing confidence in discussing complex moral and philosophical questions.
• Contribute positively to our inclusive school ethos, demonstrating respect, kindness, and an appreciation of diversity.

We measure impact through:

• Pupil discussions and written outcomes
• RE floor books and learning journeys
• Class assemblies and reflection activities
• Monitoring by the RE lead through lesson visits, book looks, and pupil interviews
• Evidence of SMSC and British Values development

Parental Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE)

We respect the rights of parents and carers regarding their child’s education. Under current legislation, parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education (RE) lessons. This includes activities related to Religious Education that do not form part of the statutory National Curriculum.

If you wish to exercise this right, we ask that you inform the school in writing, detailing whether you are withdrawing your child from all or specific parts of the RE curriculum. We are happy to discuss any concerns you may have and provide further information to help you make an informed decision.