R.E.
Religious Education
Hanging Heaton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior and Infant School is proud to be a Church of England school within the Diocese of Leeds.
Our Christian vision, “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14), underpins our approach to education and supports our commitment to nurturing children who are curious, compassionate and respectful. Through Religious Education, pupils are encouraged to develop their understanding of faith, belief and the world around them.
Religious Education has a high profile within our curriculum and provides children with opportunities to explore Christianity, other world faiths and a range of religious and non-religious worldviews. Pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of different beliefs, practices, traditions and ways of life, while recognising the diversity that exists within and between religious traditions.
Our RE curriculum follows the Kirklees, Calderdale and Leeds agreed syllabus, Believing and Belonging, alongside additional resources and units from the Diocese of Leeds. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, children build their knowledge of Christianity while also developing an understanding of other faiths and worldviews. They explore religious stories, beliefs, celebrations, places of worship, symbols and practices, making connections between what people believe and how those beliefs influence the way they live.
Pupils develop important skills of enquiry, questioning, interpretation, reflection and evaluation. They are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions about belief, meaning, purpose, identity and what it means to live well with others. Children learn to consider different perspectives, identify similarities and differences between beliefs, and use evidence to explain their ideas.
Our RE curriculum gives pupils opportunities to learn about and learn from religion and worldviews. Children are encouraged to reflect on their own ideas, experiences and values while developing an understanding of beliefs that may be different from their own. Through discussion, questioning, stories, artwork, drama, investigation and written work, pupils are supported to express their thoughts clearly and respectfully.
Christianity has a central place within our RE curriculum. Pupils develop a secure understanding of key Biblical stories, beliefs, teachings and concepts, exploring how these have shaped Christian faith and practice. They are given opportunities to make links between the Bible, Christian beliefs and the lives of Christians today.
As pupils progress through school, they develop a growing understanding of religious diversity and the importance of respectful dialogue. They learn that people may hold different beliefs and that there can be a variety of interpretations and practices within the same faith tradition. This helps children to develop curiosity, empathy and respect for others.
Through our RE curriculum, we aim for every child to develop a strong foundation of religious knowledge, the skills to think deeply about important questions, and the confidence to express and reflect on their own ideas. We want our pupils to leave Hanging Heaton with a greater understanding of Christianity, other faiths and worldviews, and an appreciation of the beliefs and experiences that shape the lives of others.