Intent
At Farsley Springbank, our Religious Education curriculum reflects our values of being courageous, kind and curious and is shaped by our six Curriculum Drivers. We aim for every child to develop an open appreciation of different faiths, beliefs and worldviews and to understand how these influence people and communities.
RE at Farsley Springbank nurtures independence by encouraging children to form their own ideas about belief and meaning. Through curiosity and determination, they explore life’s big questions, deepening their understanding of different religions and cultures. We create safe spaces for risk-taking, where pupils can express opinions, challenge assumptions and reflect on their own values with confidence and care.
Learning is rooted in collaboration and respect, helping children to appreciate diversity, listen to others and recognise the importance of kindness and understanding in a multi-faith society.
As a non-faith school, we believe it is vital that our pupils grow up as respectful and tolerant citizens who understand both the differences and shared values that connect us all.
RE is a statutory subject, and any parents considering withdrawal from RE lessons are asked to meet with the Headteacher and RE Subject Leader to discuss this decision.
Implementation
At Farsley Springbank, our RE curriculum is taught using the Leeds Agreed Syllabus, Believing and Belonging. Lessons are carefully planned from Year 1 to Year 6, with Reception making adaptations to ensure coverage of the EYFS People, Culture and Communities strand. Lessons for Year 1 to Year 6 are weekly and Reception’s lessons are in weekly blocks each half-term. Through this structured approach, pupils build secure knowledge of different faiths, beliefs and worldviews while developing key personal and thinking skills.
We encourage independence by giving children opportunities to ask and investigate their own questions about belief, identity and values. Through enquiry-based learning, they use evidence from stories, artefacts and real-world experiences to form balanced opinions.
Determination is developed as pupils explore complex ideas and reflect deeply on moral and philosophical questions. They learn that understanding takes time and that respectful discussion can change and refine their views.
Through curiosity, children discover how religion shapes lives, communities and cultures. Visits to places of worship, handling artefacts and meeting visitors from faith communities make learning meaningful and memorable.
We promote risk-taking by encouraging children to discuss sensitive topics with honesty and empathy. In RE, pupils are supported to challenge stereotypes, express personal views and learn from mistakes in a safe and respectful environment.
Collaboration is central to learning in RE. Pupils work together to share interpretations, compare ideas and reflect on common values. They learn that understanding grows through conversation and listening as much as through study.
Above all, every lesson is grounded in respect — for others, for our community and for the diverse ways people make sense of the world. In this way, our RE curriculum helps children become thoughtful, confident and compassionate learners, ready to contribute positively to society.