Vision

 

At Houghton-on-the-Hill CE Primary School, Religious Education plays an important role in helping children understand themselves, others and the world around them.

As a Church of England school, our Christian vision underpins everything we do. Through Religious Education, we encourage children to be curious, reflective and respectful learners who are confident exploring life's big questions.

We aim to help every child flourish by developing their understanding of Christianity, other religions and world-views, whilst encouraging them to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences.

Our Curriculum

We follow the Leicestershire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2026-2031, incorporating Understanding Christianity as recommended by the Church of England.

Our curriculum enables pupils to:

• Develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other religions and world-views.
• Explore how beliefs influence the lives of individuals and communities.
• Ask thoughtful questions about meaning, purpose and identity.
• Reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences.
• Develop respect, empathy and understanding for others.

Learning is carefully sequenced so that children revisit important concepts throughout their time at school, deepening their understanding as they progress.

Religion and World-views

We recognise that everybody has a world-view.

Through Religious Education, children learn about a range of religious and non-religious world-views, including Christianity, Islam, Hindu traditions, Judaism, Sikhism and Humanism. Pupils are encouraged to explore different perspectives, appreciate diversity and develop an understanding of how beliefs influence the way people live.

As a Church school, Christianity remains a significant focus within our curriculum, with pupils exploring key theological concepts through the Understanding Christianity programme.

Ways of Knowing

As part of the new syllabus, pupils are introduced to different "Ways of Knowing" that help them understand how knowledge about religion and world-views is developed.

Children explore beliefs and world-views through stories, texts, people's experiences, questions, discussions, observations and reflection. These approaches encourage pupils to become increasingly thoughtful, inquisitive and reflective learners.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Religious Education is enriched through a variety of first-hand experiences, including:

• Visits to places of worship
• Visitors from faith communities
• Church services and celebrations
• Art, music and drama
• Discussion and debate
• Opportunities for reflection and prayer

These experiences help children make meaningful connections between their learning and the wider world.

Our Link with St Catharine's Church

We are fortunate to have strong links with St Catharine's Church and the local church community. Children regularly visit the church and benefit from learning alongside the Vicar and church members as part of their Religious Education journey. These experiences deepen pupils' understanding of Christian worship, traditions and community life.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Houghton-on-the-Hill CE Primary School, they will:

• Have a strong understanding of Christianity and its significance within our school community.
• Understand a range of religious and non-religious world-views.
• Be able to discuss beliefs and values respectfully and thoughtfully.
• Appreciate diversity and difference.
• Reflect on their own world-view and experiences.
• Be equipped to contribute positively to life in modern Britain.