Subject Leader Colette Nicholson 

We follow Oxfordshire’s agreed syllabus for Religious Education and teach RE using the Jigsaw Scheme of work. 

Jigsaw RE is enquiry-based, covering the principal world faiths and humanism. Throughout all the enquiries, the children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is carefully considered, helping us to embed and practise our school vision of, ‘Living Life to the Fullest’ (John 10:10b).

Religious Education at St Francis CE Primary School

Purpose of study (taken from Oxfordshire Agreed Syllabus):

For pupils to learn about religions and beliefs which have influenced the lives of millions of people and heavily influenced the development of different human cultures. Pupils apply academic skills such as analysis and critical and creative thinking, approaching the study of religion with different disciplines as they mature.

For pupils to learn more about themselves and their place in the world from their increasingly academic and creative exploration of religions and beliefs.

Each topic is explored through three areas:

• Pupil’s experience and self-concept
• Religious experience and concepts
• Universal human experience and concepts

Enquiry-Based Approach

Each enquiry lasts for half a term and centres around a “big” question such as “What is the best way for a Christian to show commitment to God?”.

Children begin by considering the theme of the enquiry (e.g. commitment) and relate it to their own life. They then investigate the beliefs of the studied religion or world view, always returning to the “big” question and their own experiences. This approach supports our children to develop their understanding of themselves and the world around them, promoting curiosity, deep-thinking and compassion for others.

Early Years Foundation Stage

Children in Nursery and Foundation Stage learn about religion through the strand ‘Understanding the World’ found in the EYFS curriculum. Children will learn about a range of religious celebrations through investigations and play.

‘Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.’