At Brickhouse, we are a non-denominational school and our Religious Education curriculum is inclusive, balanced and respectful of different faiths and beliefs. We mainly focus on Christianity, as this reflects the traditions of Great Britain, whilst also learning about other major religions and non-religious worldviews found in the UK.

We follow the Jigsaw RE curriculum, supported by the Sandwell SACRE Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2024-29. Children in Year 1 to Year 6 have RE once a week, while in EYFS it is taught through Understanding the World.

Through RE, children learn about Christianity, Sikhism, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism, as well as Humanism. The subject helps pupils to:

• think about their own beliefs and values
• understand that people may have different views
• show respect and tolerance towards others

RE learning is based around:

• Making sense of beliefs
• Making connections
• Understanding the impact

Reception

In Reception, children begin their RE learning by exploring what makes people, places and celebrations special. They will hear simple stories, talk about their own experiences and learn about important festivals such as Christmas and Easter. They will also begin to understand that different people may have different beliefs and ways of celebrating.

Year 1

In Year 1, children learn about some of the key beliefs and practices of Christianity and Judaism. They will explore questions about God, Jesus, Christmas, Palm Sunday, Shabbat and the synagogue. Learning is designed to help children understand that religious beliefs influence the way people live, worship and celebrate.

Year 2

In Year 2, children continue to learn about Christianity and begin to explore Islam. They will think about important Christian beliefs about Jesus, Easter and forgiveness, as well as key Muslim beliefs about God, the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur’an. Children will be encouraged to reflect on how faith can guide people in their everyday lives.

Year 3

In Year 3, children study Sikhi and Christianity in more depth. They will learn about Sikhi, including the Khalsa, sharing and living a good life, and they will also explore Christian beliefs about Christmas, healing and Good Friday. These lessons help children think about commitment, kindness and what matters to different people.

Year 4

In Year 4, children build their understanding of Judaism and Christianity. They will explore how Jewish beliefs and teachings affect daily life, why Shavuot is important, and what Christians believe about the Nativity, forgiveness and church. The children are encouraged to compare ideas and think about how beliefs shape actions and choices.

Year 5

In Year 5, children learn about Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Christianity. They will explore how Hindu believers show commitment to God and learn about important ideas such as Brahman, karma, samsara and moksha. They will also study Christian beliefs about Christmas, Jesus’ death and how Christians show commitment to God.

Year 6

In Year 6, children explore more complex ideas in Islam and Christianity. They will learn how Muslims show commitment to God, why the Qur’an is important, what Muslims believe about life after death, and how Christian celebrations and beliefs help Christians understand Jesus. This year also helps children reflect on big questions about faith, life and belief.

 

	Aut 1	Aut 2	Spr 1	Spr 2	Sum 1	Sum 2
R Ages 4-5	What makes people special?	What is Christmas?	Celebrations	What is Easter?	What can we learn from stories?	What makes places special?
1 Ages 5-7	Christianity 5-6 Autumn 1 What do Christians believe about God?	Christianity 5-6 Autumn 2 What might Christians in my town have given Jesus if He had been born here rather than in Bethlehem?	Judaism Enquiry 1 Who is God to the Jews?	Christianity 5-6 Spring 2 Why was Jesus welcomed like a king or celebrity by the crowds on Palm Sunday?	Judaism Enquiry 2 Is Shabbat important to Jewish children?	Judaism Enquiry 3 Does visiting the Synagogue help Jewish children feel closer to God?
2 Ages 5-7	Christianity 6-7 Autumn 1 Is it possible to be kind to everyone all of the time?	Christianity 6-7 Autumn 2 Why do Christians believe God gave Jesus to the world?	Islam Enquiry 1 Who is God to Muslims?	Christianity 6-7 Spring 2 How important is it to Christians that Jesus came back to life after his crucifixion?	Islam Enquiry 2 How important is the Prophet Muhammad to Muslims?	Islam Enquiry 3 How important is the Qur’an to Muslims?
3 Ages 7-9	Sikhi Enquiry 1 Does joining the Khalsa make someone a better Sikh?	Christianity 7-8 Autumn 2 Has Christmas lost its true meaning?	Christianity 7-8 Spring 1 Could Jesus heal people?	Christianity 7-8 Spring 2 What is good about ‘Good Friday?’	Sikhi Enquiry 2 Do Sikhs think it’s important to share?	Sikhi Enquiry 3 What is the best way for Sikhs to live a good life?
4 Ages 7-9	Judaism Enquiry 1 What is the best way for a Jew to lead a good life?	Christianity 8-9 Autumn 2 What is the most important part of the Nativity story for Christians today?	Judaism Enquiry 2 How do Jewish beliefs, teachings and stories impact on daily life?	Christianity 8-9 Spring 2 Is forgiveness always possible for Christians?	Judaism Enquiry 3 How does celebrating Shavuot help Jewish children feel closer to God?	Christianity 8-9 Summer 2 Do people need to go to church to show that they are Christians?
5 Ages 9-12	Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) Enquiry 1 What is the best way for a Sanatani to show commitment to God?	Christianity 9-10 Autumn 2 Is the Christmas story true?	Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) Enquiry 2 How can Brahman be everywhere and in everything?	Christianity 9-10 Spring 2 How significant is it for Christians to believe that God intended Jesus to die?	Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) Enquiry 3 Do beliefs in karma, samsara and moksha help Sanatanis lead good lives?	Christianity 9-10 Summer 2 What is the best way for a Christian to show commitment to God?
6 Ages 9-12	Islam Enquiry 1 What is the best way for a Muslim to show commitment to God?	Christianity 10-11 Autumn 2 Alternative Do Christian celebrations and traditions help Christians understand who Jesus was and why he was born?	Christianity 10-11 Spring 1 Is anything ever eternal?	Christianity 10-11 Spring 2 Is Christianity still a strong religion over 2000 years after Jesus was on Earth?	Islam Enquiry 2 How is the Qur’an vital to Muslims today?	Islam Enquiry 3 Does belief in Akhirah (life after death) help Muslims lead a good life?