At Marshfield Primary School, Religious Education (RE) plays an important role in helping pupils understand the diverse beliefs, values and traditions that shape our community, our country and the wider world. Through a carefully structured curriculum, children develop respect, empathy and curiosity—qualities that help them grow into thoughtful, open-minded citizens.
We follow the Revised Agreed Syllabus for Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Leeds (2025–2029), which provides a rich and ambitious framework for learning. Its aim is to deepen children’s understanding of different worldviews while helping them reflect on their own beliefs and experiences.
A Pathways Approach
The curriculum is organised into six pathways that support clear progression from Early Years to Year 6:
This structure helps children build a coherent understanding of major world religions—including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and non-religious worldviews—while linking their learning to wider philosophical and ethical questions.
How We Teach RE
Our approach to RE is inclusive, engaging and reflective. Lessons include a blend of storytelling, discussion, enquiry, artefacts, real-world examples, and opportunities for children to express their own ideas. Teachers encourage critical thinking, respectful debate and curiosity.
We enrich learning further through experiential resources, such as Now Press Play. These immersive audio experiences allow pupils to step into stories, festivals and traditions—for example:
acting out the Christmas story in EYFS and Key Stage 1
exploring Diwali and its significance in Key Stage 2
These activities help children understand faith and culture in a lively, memorable way.
Our teaching supports the wider curriculum, linking naturally with PSHE, history, English, art and cultural celebrations. Through visits, visitors and cross-curricular experiences, children see how religion and belief influence real people’s lives locally, nationally and globally.
