Our
Religious Education (RE)
curriculum
<p>The Belham R.E. curriculum fosters understanding of diverse worldviews, promotes critical thinking about life's meaning, and nurtures respect, empathy, and compassion in students.</p>
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Curriculum intent
The R.E. curriculum at The Belham gives children the opportunity to learn about and understand a wide range of religions and worldviews. It helps them express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of these belief systems, while developing the skills to engage thoughtfully in discussion and debate.
Lessons encourage children to consider life’s big questions — the meaning and purpose of life, moral choices, and what different faiths say about being human. Through this exploration, children develop respect for others, learn to challenge prejudice and build empathy and compassion. Teachers foster a safe environment where understanding and curiosity are encouraged and modelled.
How we teach
At The Belham, we follow the syllabus developed by our sister school, Charles Dickens Primary School.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, Religious Education is introduced through three main themes:
- Celebrating special times
- Stories and what they reveal
- Aspects of identity and relationships
Each half term, we focus on a different religion and explore a central theme within that belief system. For example, in Autumn 1 we may study ‘Sacred Texts’ with the subtopic ‘What is the Qur’an?’
Lessons use a range of teaching and learning strategies to encourage discussion, reflection and exploration of different perspectives. Learning is enriched through visits to local places of worship and talks from guest speakers representing a variety of faiths.
Impact
Children develop a broad understanding of the world’s major religions and non-religious worldviews. They learn to reflect on their own beliefs, respect others’ perspectives and engage in meaningful dialogue about values and identity. R.E. at The Belham nurtures open-mindedness, empathy and a sense of belonging in a diverse community.
How you can help at home
- Encourage your child’s curiosity about different faiths, traditions and celebrations.
- Visit places of worship or attend local cultural events to broaden their experience.
- Talk about the importance of respect — that while we may hold different beliefs, it is vital to listen, understand and value others’ viewpoints.
- Share books, films or festivals that celebrate diversity and discuss what your child finds interesting.
Living in such a multicultural setting gives us daily opportunities to learn from one another — supporting your child’s curiosity and respect helps them grow into compassionate, thoughtful individuals.
Right to withdraw from sex education
Parents have the right to request that their child be withdrawn from some or all of the sex education elements of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE).
At The Belham Primary School, sex education is delivered as part of our RSE programme in line with statutory guidance. Parents do not have the right to withdraw their child from Relationships Education or from the statutory science curriculum, including content on puberty and reproduction.
Any request to withdraw a child from sex education should be made in writing to the Headteacher. The school will work in partnership with parents to discuss the request and ensure that pupils continue to receive appropriate, age-appropriate education.
