Religious Education
Multi-Faith Visit to Leicester
As part of our Religious Education curriculum, we run a biennial trip to Leicester to give pupils meaningful experiences of different faiths and places of worship. One year, pupils visit a Hindu temple, Leicester Cathedral, and a mosque. Two years later, the trip focuses on the synagogue, gurdwara, and Buddhist centre.
By the end of Key Stage 2, every child will have had the opportunity to visit six different places of worship, deepening their understanding of a range of faith traditions and supporting our commitment to broad, inclusive learning.
At the mosque, they listened to the Imam who explained key Islamic practices. At the Hindu temple, they observed worshippers gathering and learned more about Hindu traditions. At Leicester Cathedral, the children discovered the building’s rich history, listened to the organ being played, and visited the tomb of King Richard III.
At the synagogue, the children learned about the Torah, the Jewish holy book, and explored a range of important religious artefacts. At the Gurdwara, they were captivated by the vibrant colours, the beautiful models of sacred places, and the detailed paintings of the Gurus that adorned the walls. At the Buddhist Centre, the children discovered the history of Buddhism through engaging role-play and had the opportunity to experience a short meditation practice.
“I am a Hindu and my friends asked me lots of questions when we went to the temple.” – Nikita, Year 5
“It was interesting seeing the washroom in the mosque.” – George, Year 6
“I like learning about the Gods that Hindu’s worship. They were all on display in the temple.” – Imogen, Year 4
Intent:
At Linby cum Papplewick Primary School, we believe Religious Education offers children the chance to think beyond themselves with courage and respect. It encourages them to consider opinions and beliefs different from their own while fostering love and understanding for others in both our local community and the wider world. This helps children grow into respectful and compassionate members of any community they join throughout their lives. Through RE, children gain an understanding of the beliefs, values, and traditions of various world religions. They develop emotional resilience and tolerance by exploring different perspectives and viewpoints. Additionally, children learn to describe and explain theological concepts, acquire key knowledge, and engage with these ideas through a structured learning cycle.
I embody the spirit of an RE specialist, I…
• Communicate my personal experiences.
• Discuss and apply others’ viewpoints.
• Investigate and inquire a variety of different religious words.
• Contextualize real life examples of religious traditions.
• Evaluate the meaning of the concept for others and for myself.
Implementation:
In the Early Years, children learn about People, Culture, and Communities as part of the “Understanding the World” area of learning. They explore simple similarities and differences between various religions and cultural communities, drawing on their own experiences as well as stories and materials shared during class activities.
As they progress through the school, children study Christianity and Judaism in Years 1 and 2; Christianity, Hinduism, and Judaism in Years 3 and 4; and Christianity and Islam in Years 5 and 6. This progression ensures they gain a well-rounded understanding of different religions over time.
RE is taught once per week, though at times, lessons are grouped into a dedicated week to allow for in-depth exploration and immersion. It is recommended that children receive 36 hours of RE instruction per year in Key Stage 1 (KS1) and 45 hours in Key Stage 2 (KS2). The curriculum follows the “Understanding Christianity” framework, which is supplemented by the Nottinghamshire Agreed RE Syllabus.
In Early Years and Key Stage 1, learning is captured in class “floor books,” with additional photographic evidence collected where necessary. In Key Stage 2, RE learning is documented in individual RE books that move with the children as they progress through the school. Links are made in RE lessons to the school’s core values as well as to the fundamental British values of mutual tolerance and respect. As part of their Religious Education, children have the opportunity to visit local places of worship. These visits provide invaluable firsthand experiences, helping to deepen their understanding of different faiths and practices. By engaging with local religious communities, children can see how beliefs are expressed in real-life settings, fostering respect and appreciation for cultural and religious diversity. Key religious knowledge is revisited throughout the year, with connections made to prior learning to deepen understanding. Children are also introduced to and encouraged to use key religious vocabulary to support their learning.
Impact:
The children at Linby cum Papplewick C of E Primary School thoroughly enjoy exploring different religions and understanding why individuals may choose, or choose not, to follow a particular faith. Through RE lessons, they draw meaningful connections between their own lives and the lives of others in their community and the wider world. This fosters a deeper appreciation of diverse cultures and ways of life. As a result, Religious Education becomes an essential subject, equipping children with the understanding and empathy needed to navigate an ever-changing and interconnected world.
