Curriculum Intent

Faculty of Humanities

Religious Education

‘All religions must be tolerated... for every man must get to heaven in his own way.’

Epictetus

Our RE curriculum aims to cultivate an understanding and respect for the diverse beliefs that shape our world. We encourage students to explore a wide range of religions, philosophies, and ethical systems, fostering empathy and critical thinking. By engaging with sacred texts, rituals, and contemporary issues, students develop the skills to analyse different perspectives and articulate their own views thoughtfully.

Through this exploration, we aim to equip students with the understanding and sensitivity needed to thrive in a multicultural society. Our curriculum encourages reflection on fundamental questions about meaning, purpose, and values, preparing students to navigate ethical dilemmas and contribute positively to their communities. Ultimately, we aspire to nurture a lifelong curiosity and appreciation for the diversity of human beliefs and practices.

At the Skegness Academy, we implement this vision through a dynamic and inclusive RE curriculum that incorporates a variety of teaching methods, including interactive discussions, project-based learning, and community engagement. By collaborating with local religious and philosophical communities, we provide students with authentic experiences and first-hand insights into different worldviews. Our committed educators cultivate a supportive atmosphere where each student feels valued and heard, promoting a culture of mutual respect and open dialogue. This approach not only enriches students' academic journey but also prepares them to be thoughtful, informed, and compassionate members of society.

We have used the Locally Agreed Syllabus, as a starting point, but as a department we are focused upon learners being exposed to quality experiences and need to develop independent thinking. Visits and enrichment clubs allow learners even greater opportunities to find and develop their individual interests and personal talents.

At the Skegness Academy, the teaching of RE is made up of a matrix of elements. These include:

• History​: For example, being able to understand Christianity requires a knowledge of the historical  context of Judaism and Israel.  
• Beliefs​: For example, the claim by Muslims that Muhammad is the last prophet. 
• Practices​: For example, the practice of Passover has grown out of the belief that God saved Jews from Egypt.  
• Themes​: For example, the beliefs and practices of Islam and Christianity and how this impacts contemporary views around Relationships and Family.

Within our teaching these 4 elements will be woven together to create a more holistic and deeper understanding of religious and non-religious world views.

Implementation:

We believe that to meet the outlined intentions it is necessary for us to:-

• Plan using progressive skills, knowledge and interleaving techniques.  Learning is regularly checked to ensure progression and understanding, whilst supporting learners’ ability to block learn, increase the capacity in the working memory and to build religious and emotional literacy. Teachers keep a record of how learners are achieving and intervene effectively and collaboratively to close any skills or knowledge gaps.
• Offer silent time so pupils can meaningfully reflect and develop links between their thinking and learning.

• Set formal calendared assessments, which are scrutinised, moderated and evaluated in a timely manner to ensure valid and rigorous data around pupil attainment to allow for effective intervention and/or close any skills or knowledge gaps, within classes and groups.
• Plan a variety of offsite educational visits. Visitors are also invited into school as a way of enhancing subject knowledge and providing the learners with real life experiences. 
• Explore values that are critical to help understand modern Britain and beyond.
• Design learning opportunities that look for ways to develop good learning behaviours. We understand that learning about learning helps us to be better learners! In our lessons, we ask learners to think about ways to develop concentration, perseverance, imagination, co-operation, the enjoyment of learning, self-improvement and curiosity. For example, we try to frame our learning around questions.

RE learning Aims:

AO1: Know about and understand a range of religions and worldviews, so that students can

• describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices, recognising the diversity which exists within and between communities and amongst individuals
• identify, investigate and respond to questions posed, and responses offered by some of the sources of wisdom found in religions and worldviews
• appreciate and appraise the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning.

AO2: Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and world views, so that students can:

• Explain reasonably their ideas about how beliefs, practices and forms of expression influence individuals and communities
• Express with increasing discernment their personal reflections and critical responses to questions and teachings about identity, diversity, meaning and value, including ethical issues
• Appreciate and appraise varied dimensions of religion or a world view.

Parental Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE)

We respect the rights of parents and carers regarding their child’s education. Under current legislation, parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education (RE) lessons. This includes activities related to Religious Education that do not form part of the statutory National Curriculum.

If you wish to exercise this right, we ask that you inform the school in writing, detailing whether you are withdrawing your child from all or specific parts of the RE curriculum. We are happy to discuss any concerns you may have and provide further information to help you make an informed decision.

Updated: September 2025