At our Voluntary Controlled (VC) First Schools, Religious Education (RE) is a core part of our vibrant curriculum. We introduce children to the fascinating world of religion and worldviews, laying the foundation for a lifelong journey of curiosity and respect. 

We carefully align to the locally agreed syllabus set by our Local Authority and use elements of the Oxford Diocesan curriculum. This ensures our teaching is balanced, inclusive, and tailored to our community context in an age-appropriate way. 

 

Our Approach to RE 
We believe that high-quality RE is essential for helping children understand the complex world around them. Our inquiry-based curriculum is designed around three main pillars: 

• Exploring Religions and worldviews: Discovering the stories, traditions, festivals, and practices of different faiths and non-religious worldviews, preparing children for life in a multi-secular Britain. 

• Enquiring into Big Questions: Engaging with significant questions about meaning, purpose, and values to develop personal empathy, kindness, and respect. 

• Celebrating Diversity: Fostering an inclusive environment where every child’s unique background, culture, and beliefs are valued, shared, and celebrated. 

 

What We Study 
In line with our local syllabus and our Church of England heritage, Christianity forms the core of our RE curriculum. Alongside this, the focus is Judaism, which our children explore in depth. 

Our pupils learn about other major world faiths and non-religious worldviews represented in modern Britain and our local Milton Keynes community. 

Because we are a First School, we bring RE to life using hands-on, creative approaches suitable for young minds: 

• Storytelling: Using sacred texts, parables, and modern stories to explore faith and morality. 

• Artefacts & Symbols: Giving children tangible objects, clothing, and symbols to explore and discuss. 

• Vibrant Festivals: Exploring celebrations like Harvest, Sukkot, Diwali, Christmas, and Eid through art, music, and food. 

• Reflective Discussion: Encouraging children to ask "big questions" and express their own thoughts safely. 

 

Why RE Matters in the Early Years 

RE is not about persuading children to believe a certain faith. Instead, it is about giving them the tools to become thoughtful, open-minded, and compassionate citizens. It helps our youngest children build a strong sense of identity while developing deep respect for the diverse world they are growing up in.