Religious Education at Our School 

At Bursley, Religious Education (RE) plays a vital role in supporting pupils’ personal development and their understanding of the diverse world in which they live. Our RE curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of a wide range of religions and worldviews, and to explore how religious beliefs and values influence the lives of individuals and communities, both locally and globally. 

Through engaging RE lessons, we aim to promote respect, tolerance, and open-mindedness. Pupils are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, reflect on their own values and beliefs, and develop an appreciation of perspectives that may differ from their own. RE at Bursley supports children in becoming informed, respectful, and compassionate members of society, preparing them to live and work in a multicultural and multi-faith world. 

The RE curriculum at Bursley follows a carefully sequenced progression of learning, beginning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and continuing through to Year 6. This ensures that pupils revisit key concepts and ideas over time, allowing them to deepen their understanding as they move through the school. Learning builds progressively, with increasing depth, challenge, and opportunities for critical thinking. 

Across the school, pupils study a range of major world religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. Christianity is taught throughout each key stage, alongside the study of other religions, enabling pupils to make comparisons and develop a balanced understanding of religious belief and practice. Through this approach, we aim to promote mutual respect and a deeper understanding of the religious diversity present within modern British society and beyond. 

In EYFS and Key Stage 1, pupils are introduced to religion through engaging and accessible learning experiences. They explore key religious stories, symbols, holy books, and places of worship. Learning at this stage focuses on developing curiosity, respect, and a basic understanding of similarities and differences between religions. 

In Key Stage 2, pupils build upon this foundation by studying religious leaders and teachings, laws and moral codes, rites of passage, and how beliefs are expressed through worship and daily practice. Pupils are encouraged to make connections between beliefs and actions, and consider the impact of faith on individuals and communities. 

In their final year at Bursley, Year 6 pupils engage in more complex and reflective learning. They explore values and beliefs, ethical issues, and philosophical questions related to religion. This enables pupils to think critically, articulate their own viewpoints respectfully, and consider challenging questions about meaning, purpose, and belief as they prepare for the next stage of their education.