Helsby Hillside Primary SchoolReligious Education
Intent - What Do We Aspire for Our Children?
Our Curriculum Intent for Religious Education
Our Religious Education curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and respect for the diverse range of beliefs and traditions that exist in our society and beyond. We aim to provide pupils with a broad and balanced understanding of the world’s major religions, as well as non-religious worldviews, encouraging open-mindedness and empathy.
Through carefully planned, age-appropriate lessons, children explore key concepts such as identity, belief, morality, and community. We want pupils to develop the ability to ask meaningful questions about life’s big ideas, including the nature of God, the meaning of life, and ethical decision-making. Our curriculum supports children in reflecting on their own values and beliefs, while gaining insight into the beliefs and practices of others.
We are committed to creating a safe and respectful learning environment where all pupils feel valued and heard. RE supports the development of critical thinking, dialogue, and mutual understanding, helping pupils to appreciate cultural diversity and build the foundations for living harmoniously in a multicultural society.
By engaging with Religious Education, pupils will grow into thoughtful, compassionate, and informed individuals who are prepared to participate respectfully and confidently in a diverse and interconnected world.
Curriculum Implementation
At Hillside, we follow the Cheshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education to provide a balanced, respectful, and engaging RE curriculum that promotes understanding of world religions and beliefs. Our intent is to nurture pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, helping them to appreciate diversity and develop empathy and respect for others.
The Cheshire syllabus encourages pupils to explore key questions about belief, meaning, and purpose through the study of major faith traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, as well as non-religious worldviews. Children are supported to develop their knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs, practices, and values, while also reflecting on their own ideas and experiences.
We aim to develop pupils’ skills in enquiry, critical thinking, and respectful dialogue, enabling them to engage thoughtfully with different perspectives and beliefs. The syllabus promotes values such as tolerance, compassion, and community cohesion, which are embedded throughout the curriculum.
