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.

Learning for Life

RE equips children with the real-world understanding and critical thinking skills needed to thrive in an increasingly diverse society. Through exploring big questions, examining evidence and forming reasoned conclusions, pupils learn to navigate complex ideas about belief, identity and moral responsibility. They reflect on the challenges that arise in a multicultural world and develop the skills and attitudes needed to live well alongside others. This builds curiosity, independence and a deeper understanding of the world beyond the classroom.

Believe You Can

RE encourages pupils to express their ideas with confidence and curiosity. Through enquiry, children learn that their views matter and that they are capable of tackling challenging concepts about meaning, value and identity. They develop resilience as they weigh up differing perspectives and reflect on their own responses. By engaging with questions about what it means to live a good life, pupils build self-belief, moral agency and confidence in their ability to participate in thoughtful, respectful dialogue.

Everyone Belongs

RE directly supports our commitment to inclusion, respect and community. By exploring diverse beliefs, worldviews and lived experiences, pupils develop empathy and an appreciation of difference. They learn that diversity enriches our society and that all people deserve dignity and respect, regardless of faith or worldview. Through collaborative discussion and enquiry, pupils practise listening, valuing others’ perspectives and understanding their responsibilities within a multicultural community. RE helps them recognise that everyone has a place, a voice and something to contribute.

Primary RE Intent, Implement, Impact Statement

Intent

At Larkspur, the intent of Religious Education is to help prepare and equip all pupils for life in contemporary Britain by enabling them to develop strong religious literacy and a deep understanding of the world around them.

We aim for all children to:

• Gain an understanding of the diverse beliefs and religious practices of different faith communities.
• Understand the non-religious worldviews held by many people in society today.
• Respect the right of all individuals to make personal choices about belief, identity, and values.
• Become critical thinkers who can identify, investigate, and respond to a range of religious and ethical questions through an enquiry-based approach.

How this links to our Curriculum Drivers

• Learning for Life:
  RE equips pupils with real-world knowledge about different cultures, worldviews and belief systems, preparing them to live and work in a diverse society. They learn to question, reflect, and understand the world beyond their own experiences.
• Believe You Can:
  By exploring different beliefs and values, pupils develop confidence in forming and articulating their own views. They learn that their ideas matter and can respectfully challenge and inquire.
• Everyone Belongs:
  RE explicitly promotes inclusion, respect, and empathy. Children learn to value diversity and understand that every person’s beliefs and identity contribute positively to the community.

Implementation

At Larkspur, we follow an RE scheme of work aligned with the Gateshead Local Authority’s suggested curriculum. This provides a clear structure for pupils to explore, engage with, and reflect upon principal religions and key worldviews.

Key features of our implementation include:

• An enquiry-based approach to teaching and learning centred around key questions.
• Each enquiry question requires pupils to weigh up evidence and reach a reasoned conclusion, applying knowledge rather than simply recalling it.
• Teaching that develops critical thinking, personal reflection, subject knowledge, and spiritual growth.
• Regular visits to places of worship and visits from faith leaders, providing meaningful first-hand experiences.
• A school philosophy that supports pupils in making their own informed choices about belief, identity, and values.

How this links to our Curriculum Drivers

• Learning for Life:
  Enquiry-driven learning builds independence, curiosity, and reasoning skills. Real-life experiences such as visiting places of worship bring learning to life and deepen understanding of the wider world.
• Believe You Can:
  Pupils learn to ask challenging questions, express their views confidently, and reflect on their ideas. Supportive teaching ensures all children feel capable of engaging with complex concepts.
• Everyone Belongs:
  Exposure to diverse voices, places of worship, and inclusive discussions ensures that all pupils feel represented. RE lessons model respectful dialogue and teamwork, strengthening a sense of community.

Impact

By following an enquiry-based RE curriculum, we believe pupils will:

• Develop strong critical thinking skills and an increased motivation to learn.
• Build knowledge and understanding of people, religions, and worldviews, enhancing their empathy and respect for others.
• Understand the beliefs and practices that make up the UK’s diverse landscape and how communities can work together positively.
• Be more informed about their own place in the world and able to make thoughtful decisions about their future.
• Develop inquisitive minds, respect, tolerance, and understanding of themselves and others.
• Gain a deep understanding of major religions and worldviews, recognising the relevance of RE in modern society.

How this links to our Curriculum Drivers

Everyone Belongs:
Pupils gain a strong sense of empathy, respect, and appreciation for difference. They understand how diverse communities coexist and thrive—helping them contribute positively to society.

Learning for Life:
Pupils leave Larkspur with a broad understanding of global religions and worldviews, as well as the critical thinking skills needed to navigate a complex, diverse world.

Believe You Can:
Children develop confidence in expressing their opinions, asking challenging questions, and understanding their role within society.

RE Information