Intent

At The Grange Academy, our Religious Education (R.E.) curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy in our pupils. Through a comprehensive enquiry-based approach, we aim to provide pupils with a deep understanding of worldviews, including principal world religions and secular perspectives, fostering respect and appreciation for the beliefs, cultures, and traditions that shape our world.

Our curriculum is built on the following principles:

• Developing Critical Thinking Skills: Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, explore evidence, and evaluate ideas, building the skills to reflect thoughtfully on their own beliefs and those of others.
• Promoting Respect and Empathy: By learning about a variety of worldviews, pupils develop an understanding of diversity and a sense of respect for people from different backgrounds and traditions.
• Encouraging Personal Reflection: Pupils are given the freedom to explore their own views and values without persuasion, fostering confidence and independence in forming their own beliefs and moral frameworks.

Our R.E. curriculum includes:

• Christianity as a Core Focus: In line with locally agreed syllabi, pupils engage with at least three enquiries on Christianity in every year group.
• Diverse Worldviews: Pupils also explore one additional worldview each year from Buddhism, Humanism, Judaism, Islam, Sanatana Dharma, and Sikhi, enriching their understanding of global diversity.
• Enquiry-Based Learning: Each topic is approached through six structured lessons that encourage deep exploration, discussion, and reflection.

We believe that learning is enhanced through real-world experiences. To support this, we encourage visits to places of worship, guest speakers, and the use of authentic and replica artefacts. Teaching strategies are rooted in the latest pedagogies, including growth mindset, metacognition, and dual coding, to maximise retention of key concepts and vocabulary.

At The Grange Academy, R.E. is more than a subject—it is a vital part of preparing our pupils to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with the complex and diverse world around them. Through this curriculum, pupils leave us with the knowledge, understanding, and skills to contribute positively to their communities and society as a whole.

Implementation

At The Grange Academy, R.E. is taught for one hour per week following the Jigsaw R.E. Scheme of Work, which uses an engaging, enquiry-based approach to ensure pupils develop a deep understanding of diverse worldviews, critical thinking skills, and personal reflection. Lessons are structured to inspire curiosity and support spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development.

The Four-Step Enquiry Method

Each enquiry follows Jigsaw’s Four-Step Enquiry Model, encouraging pupils to engage with thought-provoking key questions, develop their subject knowledge, and critically evaluate their findings. This approach includes:

1. Engagement (Piece 1):
   Pupils explore the human experience underpinning the enquiry question, connecting the topic to their own lives. For example, when studying commitment in Sikhism, pupils first reflect on what commitment means in their personal experiences.
2. Investigation (Pieces 2, 3, 4):
   Pupils acquire carefully selected subject knowledge about the worldview being studied. Teachers guide pupils through this phase, ensuring they gain the factual understanding necessary to critically apply their learning.
3. Evaluation (Piece 5):
   Pupils draw conclusions about the key enquiry question, using assessment opportunities to demonstrate progress. Evidence is gathered through written work, teacher observations, and self-assessment.
4. Expression (Piece 6):
   Pupils return to their own experiences to reflect on how the enquiry has influenced their beliefs and starting points. This phase often provides further evidence of personal development and can include creative expression.

Curriculum Structure

• Christianity Focus: In line with the locally agreed syllabus, each year group studies a minimum of three Christianity enquiries.
• Diverse Worldviews: Pupils study one additional worldview each year, chosen from Buddhism, Humanism, Judaism, Islam, Sanatana Dharma, and Sikhi.
• Progressive Learning: The curriculum follows a spiral model, revisiting key concepts and themes to deepen understanding and build on prior knowledge.

Teaching Strategies

• Engaging and Inclusive Lessons: Lessons incorporate a variety of teaching strategies, including discussions, debates, role-play, and reflective activities, catering to all learning styles.
• Dual-Coded Resources: Key vocabulary and concepts are supported with dual-coded visuals to enhance retention and comprehension.
• Assessment Opportunities: Each enquiry includes structured assessment activities and self-assessments, enabling teachers to monitor progress effectively.

Enhancing Learning Experiences

• Faith Tour: This year, pupils will participate in a Faith Tour in Bedford, providing the opportunity to visit places of worship and gain real-world insights into different worldviews.
• Artefacts and Visitors: Lessons are enriched with replica artefacts, multimedia resources, and guest speakers to bring learning to life and foster cultural appreciation.
• Creative Expression: Pupils produce creative and meaningful outcomes, such as journals, portfolios, or class projects, to showcase their learning journey.

Whole-School Approach

• Assemblies: R.E. themes are integrated into assemblies, providing a platform for shared reflection and celebration.
• Cross-Curricular Links: R.E. connects with subjects such as history, geography, and PSHE to provide a cohesive learning experience.
• Community Engagement: Visits to places of worship and engagement with local faith leaders strengthen pupils’ understanding of the wider community.

Why This Approach Works

By combining the Jigsaw Scheme with the Four-Step Enquiry Method, we ensure that R.E. at The Grange Academy is:

• Engaging: Pupils actively participate in lessons, fostering curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
• Inclusive: Pupils explore diverse perspectives, developing respect and empathy for others.
• Effective: A clear progression of skills and knowledge ensures pupils are prepared for future learning and life in a multicultural society.

This consistent and thoughtful approach ensures that pupils leave with a strong understanding of worldviews, critical thinking skills, and the ability to reflect meaningfully on their own beliefs.

Impact

The impact of our R.E. curriculum at The Grange Academy is reflected in the knowledge, understanding, and skills pupils develop as they explore worldviews and reflect on their own beliefs and values. By engaging with the Jigsaw scheme and its enquiry-based approach, pupils are prepared to navigate the complexities of a multicultural and diverse society with confidence, empathy, and respect.

Expected Impact on Pupils

Through our R.E. curriculum, pupils will:

• Develop a secure understanding of worldviews: Pupils gain a comprehensive knowledge of Christianity and other worldviews, including Buddhism, Humanism, Judaism, Islam, Sanatana Dharma, and Sikhi, appreciating the diversity of beliefs and practices within these traditions.
• Foster critical thinking and reflection: Pupils confidently engage with challenging questions, analyse evidence, and articulate well-reasoned responses, demonstrating maturity and thoughtfulness.
• Cultivate respect and empathy: Pupils develop an appreciation for the beliefs and values of others, fostering a sense of inclusion and harmony within their school and the wider community.
• Demonstrate personal growth: Pupils reflect meaningfully on their own beliefs and values, showing increased self-awareness and an ability to make informed, respectful choices.

Assessment of Impact

We measure the impact of R.E. through a range of formative and summative approaches:

• Formative Assessment: Teachers use questioning, observations, and pupil discussions during lessons to gauge understanding and engagement.
• Summative Assessment: At the end of each enquiry, pupils are assessed on their ability to engage with the enquiry question, using evidence from written work, presentations, and creative outcomes.
• Progress Tracking: Summative assessments are recorded termly in Arbor, enabling leaders to track progression across year groups and identify areas requiring additional support.
• Pupil Voice: Feedback from pupils provides valuable insight into their learning experiences and understanding of key concepts.

Evidence of Impact

The success of our R.E. curriculum is demonstrated through:

• High-Quality Work: Pupils produce thoughtful, detailed work that reflects their understanding of enquiry questions and their ability to critically evaluate evidence.
• Engaged Learners: Pupils actively participate in lessons, demonstrating curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring worldviews.
• Positive Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils show respect and empathy towards others, applying their learning to foster positive relationships within the school and beyond.
• Cultural Awareness: Pupils confidently discuss and celebrate diversity, showing an appreciation for different beliefs, traditions, and practices.

Wider Impact

The R.E. curriculum contributes to the personal and social development of pupils beyond academic success:

• Community Engagement: Visits to places of worship, such as the Faith Tour in Bedford, and interactions with guest speakers provide pupils with real-world experiences that deepen their understanding and respect for others.
• Cross-Curricular Connections: Pupils apply skills learned in R.E. to other subjects, such as history and PSHE, strengthening their overall learning experience.
• Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural Development (SMSC): Pupils develop a strong moral compass and a clear understanding of their role in promoting harmony and inclusivity within their communities.

Preparing for the Future

By the time pupils leave The Grange Academy, they will:

• Have a deep understanding of worldviews and the ability to engage respectfully and knowledgeably with people of different beliefs.
• Be equipped with the critical thinking and reflection skills to navigate moral and ethical challenges.
• Demonstrate empathy, respect, and a commitment to inclusion, embodying the values of a thoughtful and responsible citizen.

Through our R.E. curriculum, pupils leave with the knowledge, skills, and values to contribute positively to a diverse and ever-changing world, fulfilling our school’s vision of Learning for Life.

Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or some of the RE curriculum. Please speak to your child's class teacher or contact the school office.