RE Curriculum

Christianity plays a central role in the school. The school uses the Rochester Diocesan Board of Education's "Understanding Christianity" Syllabus, which focuses on Christianity in Key Stage One so that the children understand the core beliefs before exploring other faiths. Key Stage Two study Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism.  The outline syllabus for 2018/19 is set out in the table below. 

Our creative approach includes drama, music, film clips, art, cookery and kinaesthetic reflective activities which inspires and engages the children.We also use the school’s Christian Values to support our RE teaching. The children say that they enjoy RE and they participate enthusiastically in singing hymns and Christmas carols and the nativity play is a highlight of the year!

Our school works very closely with St Peter’s Church and both benefit from the strong relationship. Collective worship takes place during daily assemblies. Teachers and children take part, and children regularly lead the worship. As well as visiting  St Peter’s church (not just for weekly acts of worship but for investigations too), all children will have had the opportunity to experience a city church, a mosque, a Gurdwara  and a synagogue by the time they leave the school. Visitors, including our rector, are also invited to answer searching questions from the children.The children are encouraged to help the wider community and to support charities, for example by donating Harvest Festival gifts and holding fundraising events.

Children are not just asked to join in listening to prayer, but to understand the power and role of prayer, and when possible, to write and create their own prayers. Prayer is encouraged by a “reflection corner” in each classroom – a place where the children can spend a few minutes thinking and talking to God.

Our school environment is founded on strong Christian principles and values. Through our Christian values we hope to aid the children’s understanding of the world in which we live, their part in making our world a more peaceful and tolerant place, and for those who wish to we provide the opportunity to explore and develop their spirituality. 

Soul Purpose/Leading Lights

Our 'Soul Purpose' group encourages children to deepen their knowledge and understanding of their faith and of God, as their Heavenly Father. Soul Purpose is a group of dedicated KS2 pupils who help plan and lead worship in the school, and are also responsible for many of the worship areas around the school. They promote our school’s Christian values and support the RE curriculum team by the monitoring of RE and worship. The group meets on Wednesday lunchtimes and uses the time to pray and support each another. We aim to be a kind and loving group who share God's love with those around us.

A group of year 5 and 6 children, known as our ‘Leading Lights’, regularly contribute to our Worship in St Peter’s Church, in assembly and in class.

Diocesan syllabus overview (VA schools)