Across the Black Country Federation, we believe that Religious Education plays an important role in helping children develop understanding, respect and thoughtful reflection about different beliefs and worldviews. RE gives pupils the opportunity to explore faith, consider big questions and learn how beliefs shape people’s lives.

Our curriculum is based on Jigsaw RE, aligned with the Dudley Agreed Syllabus and adapted to follow the CUSP teaching cycle. This ensures that learning is carefully structured, vocabulary is taught clearly and key ideas are revisited over time. Pupils are encouraged to discuss their thinking, listen to others and reflect on their own views.

We provide a broad and balanced curriculum that includes the study of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Sanatana Dharma (Hindu Dharma) and Humanism. Our aim is that every child leaves primary school with secure knowledge of major world religions and worldviews, a respect for diversity and the confidence to reflect on their own beliefs and values.

Religious Education in EYFS

In EYFS, RE is taught through “Understanding the World”. Children begin to develop:

• An awareness that people have different beliefs, traditions and ways of life.
• An understanding of special places, such as churches, mosques, synagogues and temples.
• Familiarity with stories from different faith traditions.
• Knowledge of a range of religious festivals, such as Diwali, Christmas, Hanukkah and Eid.
• Skills in listening respectfully and sharing their own ideas.

Through discussion, stories and practical activities, children explore religious symbols, artefacts and celebrations. These early experiences lay the foundation for more detailed study in Key Stage 1 and beyond.

A Structured and Progressive Curriculum

Our RE curriculum follows the Jigsaw RE framework and is mapped carefully to the Dudley Agreed Syllabus. Learning is sequenced so that pupils revisit important concepts and deepen their understanding as they move through the school.

Key features of our approach include:

• Clear progression in knowledge and concepts across year groups.
• Explicit teaching of subject-specific vocabulary.
• Opportunities for reflection and discussion.
• Regular retrieval of prior learning to strengthen understanding.

The Structure of an RE Lesson

Lessons follow a consistent sequence to support secure learning:

• Connect - Pupils revisit previous knowledge about religions, key figures and beliefs, recalling important vocabulary.
• Explain - Teachers introduce new concepts, texts, traditions or practices, ensuring that pupils understand key terms and ideas.
• Example - Stories, role-play and discussion help pupils explore different perspectives and deepen their understanding.
• Attempt - Pupils respond through writing, art, drama or debate, demonstrating their developing knowledge.
• Apply - Children make links between religious teachings and wider moral or social issues, considering how beliefs influence daily life.

This structure ensures that RE develops both knowledge and critical thinking.

RE Beyond the Classroom

Religious Education is enriched through wider experiences. Where possible, pupils visit local places of worship and meet members of different faith communities. The school marks a range of religious and cultural festivals, helping pupils appreciate the diversity of beliefs within society.

Oracy is a strong focus in RE. Pupils are encouraged to discuss ideas with partners before sharing with the class, helping them to articulate their thinking clearly and respectfully. Drama, storytelling and the use of artefacts bring learning to life and make abstract concepts more accessible.

RE also links to wider themes such as charity, community responsibility and moral decision-making. Assemblies and whole-school events often draw on religious themes such as kindness, perseverance and compassion.

Assessment in RE

Assessment focuses on understanding and reflection rather than simple recall. Teachers use questioning, discussion and written responses to gauge pupils’ knowledge and depth of thinking. Pupils may record their reflections in journals, and recognition is given to those who demonstrate respect, thoughtful engagement and strong understanding.

The Impact of Our RE Curriculum

By the time pupils leave our school, they:

• Have secure knowledge of a range of world religions and worldviews.
• Show respect and understanding towards people of different beliefs.
• Can discuss religious and ethical questions with confidence.
• Reflect thoughtfully on their own values and perspectives.

Our RE curriculum ensures that children leave primary school informed, open-minded and able to engage respectfully with the diverse society in which they live.

Further Information

For more information about our RE curriculum, including planning, vocabulary progression and community links, please contact our Curriculum Lead, Tom Amphlett, at info@brierley.dudley.sch.uk.