At North Downs, we believe in delivering a high-quality RE education, through the theological, philosophical and sociological ‘Golden Threads’ of RE. Our intent at North Downs is to equip pupils with systematic knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and world views, enabling them to develop their ideas, values and identities. We intend to develop in pupils an aptitude for dialogue so that they can participate positively in our society with its diverse religions and world views as well as articulate clearly and coherently their personal beliefs, ideas, values and experiences while respecting the right of others to differ.

At North Downs, we follow the Surrey Agreed Syllabus 2023, which includes teaching children about Christianity and other religions. This is taught by exploring the traditions, beliefs and values of each religion studied. The children gain:

• an appreciation of the nature of religion and belief and the important contribution of religious and spiritual insights and values to the individual’s search for meaning in life, whilst acknowledging that this may also come from a non-religious perspective.

• a knowledge and understanding of Christianity, and of the other principal religions and beliefs represented in Great Britain, both through their history and their contemporary diverse expressions;

• an interest in and enthusiasm for the study of religion & beliefs and enhance their own spiritual, moral, social and cultural development

• the ability to make reasoned, informed and creative responses to religious and moral issues

• the ability to recognise the influence of beliefs, values and traditions on the individual, on culture and on communities throughout the world.

Teachers are encouraged and supported to develop their subject knowledge and their teaching and assessing of the working scientifically skills. We have rich resources throughout the school and engage the children through school trips

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from these sessions after discussion with the Headteacher.

Our RE curriculum has been well-thought-out and is planned to demonstrate progression. With resources and support, all lessons allow for all the children in North Downs to access the curriculum, enabling them to make good or better progress.

We measure the impact of our curriculum on a half termly basis through tracking of knowledge through observations of pupil discussions about their learning, in order to track where children are on their individual learning journeys.

Teachers assess if children are able to articulate their thinking using high quality vocabulary to ensure they can participate positively in our society with its diverse religions and world views as well as articulate clearly and coherently their personal beliefs, ideas, values and experiences while respecting the right of others to differ.