RE at Larkspur
Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE.
Vision
At Larkspur, we believe that Religious Education should provide a relevant, meaningful and interactive study of religion, preparing children for life in modern multi-faith Britain. Through an enquiry-based approach, pupils engage thoughtfully with key questions about faith, identity, community, values and responsibility. Our curriculum drivers—Learning for Life, Believe You Can, and Everyone Belongs—strongly underpin this work and give purpose and coherence to our RE provision.
Intent
At Larkspur, the intent of Religious Education is to prepare and equip all pupils for life in contemporary Britain by developing strong religious literacy and a deep understanding of the diverse world around them.
We aim for all children to:
- Develop an understanding of the beliefs and practices of a range of faith communities.
- Understand the non-religious worldviews held by many people today.
- Respect the right of individuals to make personal choices about belief, identity and values.
- Become critical thinkers who investigate and respond to religious and ethical questions through an enquiry-based approach.
Implementation
At Larkspur, we follow the Gateshead Local Authority RE curriculum, providing a structured and progressive programme of study that enables pupils to explore religions and worldviews through meaningful enquiry.
Our curriculum includes:
- An enquiry-based approach centred around carefully planned key questions.
- Opportunities for pupils to evaluate evidence, reason and justify their ideas.
- Teaching that develops subject knowledge, critical thinking, personal reflection and spiritual development.
- First-hand experiences through visits to places of worship and visitors from different faith communities.
- A respectful learning environment where pupils are encouraged to develop their own informed beliefs and values.
Impact
By the end of their time at Larkspur, pupils will:
- Demonstrate secure knowledge and understanding of major religions and worldviews.
- Think critically and ask thoughtful questions about belief, identity and ethics.
- Show empathy, respect and understanding towards people with different beliefs and backgrounds.
- Understand the diversity of modern Britain and their role within it.
- Express their own views confidently while respecting the views of others.
- Recognise the relevance of Religious Education in helping them navigate an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
Our Curriculum Drivers
Religious Education makes a significant contribution to all three of Larkspur’s curriculum drivers.
- Learning for Life – Pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and critical thinking skills needed to thrive in a diverse society. Through enquiry, discussion and first-hand experiences, they learn about different cultures, beliefs and worldviews, preparing them for life beyond the classroom.
- Believe You Can – RE encourages pupils to ask challenging questions, think independently and express their ideas with confidence. Children learn that their opinions matter and develop resilience as reflective, thoughtful learners.
- Everyone Belongs – Respect, inclusion and empathy are at the heart of Religious Education. Pupils learn to value diversity, appreciate different perspectives and understand that every individual’s beliefs and identity contribute positively to our community.
