RE AT DOWNSHALL
Subject Leader: Ms Ghulam
Introduction
In our school, Religious Education plays an important role in promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our children. It is our intent for the Religious Education element of our school curriculum to educate, challenge and empower pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to answer challenging questions, explore different religious beliefs, values and traditions and develop a deeper understanding of the main religious traditions, beliefs and practises that are followed in our multi-cultural society.
Subject Drivers
At Downshall, we strive to instil acceptance, open mindedness and an understanding that religion and humanism is how many people make meaning and values in their life. Children learn that different religions have more commonalities than differences. Teachers prioritise the key questions in the Redbridge RE syllabus above the rest of the curriculum.
| Topics covered EYFS | Topics Covered KS1 | Topics covered LKS2 | Topics covered UKS |
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Christianity & Islam
This is taught alongside stand-alone lessons on festivals throughout the year.
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Christianity/Hinduism/ Judaism
This is taught alongside stand-alone lessons on festivals throughout the year.
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Christianity/Islam/Buddism/ Sikhism/Hinduism
This is taught alongside stand-alone lessons on festivals throughout the year.
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Quotes from Pupil Ambassadors
“I enjoyed learning about the Hindu Creation Story, I haven’t heard this before. I know that some Hindus do puja every day.” – Zayd, Year 3
“R.E.’s fun because you learn interesting and new things that religions do. It teaches me about the world!” Momin, Year 4
I love listening to the different stories that religions have – some of the themes are the same such as charity and kindness.” – Umar, Year 5
“I enjoy learning about the similarities and differences between different religions.” Ihsan, Year 6
Enrichment
Downshall RE Ambassadors took part in a nativity workshop. The workshop involved role-play, story-telling, drama and a puppet show about the Christmas story. 'Learning about Christmas and how it is represented in different ways was really interesting. I enjoyed the quiz after the nativity show. Christians and non-Christians celebrate Christmas in different ways: some pray and others share gifts and food with family, friends and people in need.' (Samantha, Year 3) 'I learned about how and why Christians celebrate Christmas. It was very hard for Mary to give birth in such harsh conditions. It not like now where you have hospitals and trained doctors and nurses to help. I think Mary and Jesus are inspirational.' (Freya Year 4)
Subject Displays
Enrichment
A special guest from the Christian Project visited Downshall to present about the deeper meanings of Christmas. During the assembly, pupils reflected about values and behaviours that matched with the spirit of Christmas. Pupils showed understanding that we share many values which are across cultures, religions and non-faiths. 'The RE assembly was thought-provoking. We even reflected about our school values like 'persevere' and connected them to the ideals of Christmas.' (Varun Year 5) 'I love Christmas time. We have time off school to spend with family and relatives. Many projects take place during this time to help people who don't have family or lots of money. The Samaritans do lots of kind projects in local communities.' (Jason Year6)
Enrichment
RE Competition
As part of our enriching RE curriculum, children from Reception to Year 6 took part in a whole-school competition where they were challenged to represent a world religion using a shoebox diorama (see pictures below and below left). This creative project encouraged pupils to explore and express key beliefs, symbols, and places of worship in an imaginative and meaningful way. From mosques and temples to representations of Christian churches, each entry demonstrated a thoughtful understanding of religious diversity and respect for different faiths. The activity supported pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, while fostering creativity, curiosity, and cross-curricular links with art and design. The competition culminated in a celebration event, where children shared and reflected on their learning, promoting a deeper sense of empathy, tolerance, and mutual respect across the school community.
