The Belham Curriculum:

Religious Education (RE)

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.

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Curriculum Intent

The R.E. curriculum at The Belham provides children with the opportunity to learn about and understand a variety of religions and worldviews. It enables them to express ideas and insights regarding the nature, significance, and impact of these belief systems, as well as equiping them with the necessary skills to engage in discussion and debate. This curriculum provokes thought-provoking questions about the meaning and purpose of life, issues of right and wrong, and what various religions say about the essence of being human. Through an expanding knowledge of different religions, children will develop respect for others, including those with diverse faiths and beliefs, and learn how to challenge prejudice. Teachers will establish a secure environment, encouraging and exemplifying empathy and compassion.

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Our Offer

At The Belham, we follow the syllabus developed by our sister school, Charles Dickens Primary School. In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children experience Religious Education (R.E.) through three main themes: "Celebrating special times," "Stories and what they reveal," and "Aspects of identity and relationships." Each half-term, we focus on a different religion, exploring a central theme within that belief system. For example, in Autumn 1, we may cover 'Sacred Texts' with the subtopic 'What is the Quran?' Our goal is to employ a range of teaching and learning strategies in R.E. to facilitate discussions and the exploration of others' ideas and beliefs. Lessons are enhanced by welcoming guest speakers from main faiths to the school and organising visits to local places of worship.

How you can help at home

Living in such a multicultural setting, we are fortunate to be continually exposed to various faiths. Encourage and support your child's curiosity about different faiths, their traditions, and celebrations. The most crucial message you can impart to your child is that we all hold diverse beliefs, and it is essential to respect each other's viewpoints and discuss others' faith with respect.

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