Religious Education at Woodside

At Woodside, religious education enables our children to explore what they believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that our children can gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religion and belief, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living. British Values and our school values align with RE so that our children learn tolerance and respect for people of all beliefs and backgrounds.

In line with the Shropshire Syllabus for RE, our intent is that all children:

1. make sense of a range of religious and non-religious beliefs so that they can:

• identify, describe, explain and analyse beliefs and concepts in the context of living religions, using appropriate vocabulary
• explain how and why these beliefs are understood in different ways, by individuals and within communities
• recognise how and why sources of authority (e.g. texts, teachings, traditions, leaders) are used, expressed and interpreted in different ways, developing skills of interpretation

2. understand the impact and significance of religious and non-religious beliefs, so that they can:

• examine and explain how and why people express their beliefs in diverse ways
• recognise and account for ways in which people put their beliefs into action in diverse ways, in their everyday lives, within their communities and in the wider world
• appreciate and appraise the significance of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning

3. make connections between religious and non-religious beliefs, concepts, practices and ideas studied, so that they can:

• evaluate, reflect on and enquire into key concepts and questions studied, responding thoughtfully and creatively, giving good reasons for their responses
• challenge the ideas studied, and allow the ideas studied to challenge their own thinking, articulating beliefs, values and commitments clearly in response
• discern possible connections between the ideas studied and their own ways of understanding the world, expressing their critical responses and personal reflections with increasing clarity and understanding

Characteristics of a religious mentor

• articulate their personal beliefs, ideas, values and experiences while respecting the right of others to differ
• able to understand, interpret and evaluate texts, sources of wisdom and authority and other evidence
• able to ask and independently consider responses to challenging questions about meaning and purpose in life, beliefs about God, ultimate reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human
• a desire to learn about religions and beliefs in local, national and global contexts
• a desire to contribute responsibly and positively to society

How we teach RE at Woodside

Shropshire RE Syllabus 

Our Nursery and Reception staff work closely with subject teams to ensure our curriculum is carefully planned from Nursery through to Year 6. 

EYFS Termly overview for subjects

Aspirations for the future

Careers, hobbies and interests

• Teacher
• Counsellor
• Community leader
• Religious leader
• Journalist
• Advice Worker
• Charity fundraiser
• Youth worker