At the heart of the Lancashire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education is a fundamental quest: to understand what it means to be human. In our primary schools, RE is not just a subject for academic study; it is a vital part of a child's personal journey, designed to foster open-mindedness, respect, and deep self-awareness.

Why We Teach RE

We teach RE to provide children with a safe space to explore "big questions" about life’s meaning, purpose, and values. By engaging with diverse religions and worldviews, pupils learn to look beyond their own experiences and appreciate the rich variety of beliefs that shape our global community. This education is essential for:

• Promoting British Values: It specifically builds mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs, ensuring children are prepared for life in a modern, diverse society.
• Strengthening Community Cohesion: RE helps children find common ground, fostering a sense of belonging and empathy that strengthens the bonds of our local Lancashire communities.
• Personal Development: It encourages pupils to reflect on their own moral and spiritual compass, helping them develop a strong sense of identity and integrity.

What Children Will Learn

The curriculum is designed around a "Field of Enquiry" that helps children build knowledge progressively from Year 3 through to Year 6.

• Core Religions & Worldviews: Children gain a balanced understanding, with 50% of the syllabus typically focused on Christianity and the other 50% exploring other major world religions like Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, alongside non-religious worldviews such as Humanism.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Pupils learn how to interpret sources, weigh up evidence, and hold respectful, well-informed conversations even when they disagree with others.
• Real-World Connections: Through visits to places of worship and meeting people from various faith backgrounds, children see how beliefs impact daily life, traditions, and culture.
• Self-Reflection: Every unit invites children to bring their own experiences to the table, helping them articulate their own ideas and values as they discover their place in the world.