“Let’s promote friendship and respect between men and women of different religious traditions in order to build a world of peace” Pope Francis

Aims

At Stivichall, Religious Education (RE) plays a vital role in promoting understanding, respect and friendship among people of all faiths and worldviews. Our aim is to help children develop a sense of belonging within our diverse community and a deep respect for others, regardless of belief or background.

We want our children to explore life’s big questions, develop curiosity about the world around them and reflect on their own values and beliefs. Through learning about different religions and worldviews, children are encouraged to think about how they can contribute positively to their community and the wider world, helping to build a more peaceful and compassionate society.

Curriculum

Our RE curriculum follows the updated Coventry SACRE scheme which celebrates and represents the many different religious communities within Coventry. The scheme places a strong emphasis on the local environment with children learning about key aspects of Coventry’s religious and cultural history, such as the Coventry Blitz, the art and architecture of Coventry Cathedral and the Coventry Synagogue. Children also learn about and take part in charitable events organised by different faith communities, helping them to see the positive impact of faith in action. 

We use the “mirrors, windows and doors” metaphor by Liz Mills to guide our RE teaching:

• Mirrors allow children to reflect on their own beliefs, values and worldviews.
• Windows give them opportunities to look into and understand the worldviews of others.
• Doors encourage them to think about how they can make a difference in the world, using what they learn to inspire positive action and social justice.

Our curriculum reflects the faiths and cultures represented within our school community and beyond. Each unit of learning begins with an enquiry question explored through both the children’s personal worldviews and through the lens of other worldviews. These questions promote thoughtful discussion and reflection, often developed through our school’s focus on oracy encouraging children to express ideas clearly and listen respectfully to others.

The curriculum follows a spiral structure built around seven core concepts including Authority and Power, Belonging and Believing and Personal Responsibility. These core concepts are revisited and developed as children move through primary school and into secondary school, building depth and understanding over time. Through exploring these ideas, children learn about different religions and belief systems while also gaining insight into their own developing worldviews.

Outcomes

Through our Religious Education curriculum, children at Stivichall develop a secure understanding of their own worldviews, beliefs and values while learning to appreciate and respect the beliefs, values and worldviews of others. They become thoughtful and reflective learners who can discuss and question ideas with confidence, showing curiosity about the world and empathy towards different perspectives.

As they explore a range of religious and non-religious worldviews, children begin to recognise the shared values that connect communities and the importance of kindness, fairness and social justice. They learn that their actions can make a positive difference both within school and in the wider world. Ultimately, our aim is for every child to leave Stivichall with a sense of who they are, an open mind towards others and the confidence to live out the values of respect, compassion and understanding in their daily lives.

Extending learning beyond school

Learning in Religious Education continues far beyond the classroom. Children are naturally curious about the world and the people around them and home provides the perfect space to continue these important conversations. Exploring beliefs, traditions and values together as a family helps children make sense of their learning, strengthen their understanding of respect and empathy and see how the ideas they study in school connect to everyday life. Here are some ideas for extending learning at home:

• Encourage children to talk about the “big questions” they encounter in RE - for example, “What makes a good friend?” or “Why is it important to help others?”
• Keep a “Thoughts and Thanks” journal where children can record moments they are grateful for or things they’ve learned about respect, kindness and fairness.
• Share your own family traditions, celebrations or acts of kindness and invite children to reflect on what’s important to them.
• Attend local cultural or religious festivals - for example, Diwali, Eid, Easter or Hanukkah celebrations - to experience how people express their faith through food, music, and traditions.
• Visit local places of worship such as churches, mosques, temples or synagogues and talk together about what you notice and how each place is special to its community.
• Write a story, poem or prayer about peace, friendship or caring for others.
• Encourage children to spot examples of values in action - kindness, honesty, respect - at home, in stories or in the news.
• Take time for quiet reflection such as a mindful walk or moment of gratitude, helping children connect their learning about beliefs to their own emotions and experiences.