Our RE Curriculum

At Southbury, we want children to develop a thoughtful and informed understanding of the different religions and worldviews that shape our diverse society. Religious Education encourages children to be curious about the world, explore important questions and develop respect for the beliefs, values and experiences of others.

Through RE, children learn about different religious traditions and worldviews, considering how people understand the world, what they believe, how they live and what matters to them. They are encouraged to ask meaningful questions, explore different perspectives and develop their own considered responses to questions about belonging, meaning, purpose and truth.

Our RE curriculum reflects the diversity of our Southbury community while broadening children's understanding of the wider world. We want children to recognise both the differences and connections between people, developing the knowledge, understanding and respect needed to contribute positively to our school, local community and wider society.

Building Knowledge and Understanding Over Time

Our RE curriculum follows the Enfield Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2023–2028. Learning is organised around key questions that encourage children to investigate important ideas and develop their understanding progressively throughout their time at Southbury.

Children encounter a range of religious traditions and worldviews, building their knowledge over time and making connections between beliefs, practices, values and ways of life. They learn to consider different perspectives, use appropriate vocabulary and explain their thinking with increasing confidence and depth.

Exploring Questions and Different Perspectives

RE provides children with opportunities to think deeply about questions that people have explored across cultures and generations. In our warm, welcoming and respectful learning environments, children are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, listen carefully and consider perspectives that may differ from their own.

Children explore questions of belonging, meaning, purpose and truth through discussion and a range of approaches, including art, music, poetry and stories. They learn that thoughtful discussion involves listening to others, considering different ideas and being willing to reflect on their own thinking.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

We believe that encountering different religious traditions and worldviews can bring learning to life. Where possible, children have opportunities to visit places of worship and meet religious leaders and practitioners, helping them develop a deeper understanding of how beliefs and traditions are expressed in people's lives.

These experiences help children connect their classroom learning with the wider world and appreciate the rich diversity of the communities around them.

RE in the Early Years

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children begin to explore religion, culture, celebrations and traditions through their learning about the world around them, particularly within the area of Understanding the World.

Nursery and Reception children have opportunities to consider special times and events in family life and explore celebrations and traditions, including Christmas and Eid. These early experiences help children develop curiosity about others, recognise similarities and differences, and begin to understand the beliefs, traditions and experiences that are important to different people and families.

The Southbury Thinker

By the time children leave Southbury, we want them to have developed a growing knowledge of different religions and worldviews, the confidence to ask thoughtful questions and the ability to consider different perspectives with care and respect.

We want our children to be curious, reflective and open-minded, able to engage thoughtfully with the beliefs and experiences of others while developing their own understanding of the world.

Through RE, children learn that understanding others is an important part of belonging, living well together and contributing positively to the world around them.

Dream Big, Fly High.

Parents' Right to Withdraw

Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education (RE). If you wish to exercise this right, please contact the Headteacher to discuss the arrangements. The school will respect parents' wishes in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements.