Religious Education

At the heart of RE teaching at Christ Church is the belief that every child is a unique and precious creation of God. This vision, supported by the values of faith, hope, and love, calls for an RE curriculum that nurtures the spiritual, moral, and emotional growth of each student. Through the teaching of RE, we aim to help children understand their own identity as well as the value of others, fostering a sense of respect, dignity, and compassion in line with the Christian ethos.

Faith: RE teaching provides children with the opportunity to explore and deepen their understanding of faith, not only within Christianity but also by learning about other world religions. Rooted in the SDBE syllabus, we encourage pupils to reflect on their own beliefs while understanding the faith of others, promoting a sense of unity and shared humanity.

Hope: Through the exploration of religious stories, practices, and teachings, RE instils a sense of hope in children. They learn that their actions, rooted in moral and spiritual values, can positively impact their communities and the world. The syllabus emphasizes looking forward with optimism, grounded in the understanding that God has a plan for every individual.

Love: Following the example of Jesus and other religious figures, RE promotes the value of love—encouraging children to treat others with kindness, forgiveness, and respect. The curriculum, based on the SDBE syllabus, helps children to see the world through the lens of compassion and teaches them the importance of standing up for justice and peace.

The Southwark Diocesan Board of Education (SDBE) syllabus is structured to support these aims, providing a balanced and broad curriculum that allows for deep theological reflection, personal spiritual development, and respect for religious diversity. By using this syllabus, our RE teaching ensures that:

1. Christianity is central: Pupils are given a strong foundation in Christian teachings, exploring Bible stories, key figures like Jesus, and Christian practices. They understand how these shape lives and communities, with a focus on how Christian values like faith, hope, and love translate into daily living.
2. Interfaith awareness: The SDBE syllabus encourages understanding and respect for other religions, reflecting the diverse nature of our society. By learning about the beliefs and practices of other faiths, pupils become open-minded and empathetic, promoting harmony and mutual respect.
3. Inquiry and reflection: The syllabus fosters critical thinking by encouraging pupils to ask questions, reflect on religious and ethical issues, and relate religious teachings to their own experiences. This aligns with our vision, helping children to grow into thoughtful, compassionate individuals who contribute positively to the world.

Our approach to RE, grounded in the SDBE syllabus, nurtures the whole child—intellectually, morally, and spiritually—through a framework of faith, hope, and love. It helps children to see themselves and others as unique gifts from God, promoting a deep respect for all people and equipping them to live out their faith in a diverse and changing world.