1. Intent, Implementation & Impact

Intent 

At Aston Rowant CE Primary School, Religious Education is at the heart of our vision to develop courageous, reflective and respectful learners who are rooted in God and able to engage with the world around them. 

Our RE curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and knowledge-rich, enabling pupils to develop a secure understanding of Christianity and other principal world religions, as well as non-religious worldviews. Pupils build knowledge progressively, deepening their understanding of beliefs, practices and the impact of faith on individuals and communities locally and globally. 

Through RE, pupils are encouraged to demonstrate wonder and curiosity about the world, ask challenging questions and engage in meaningful reflection. They develop the ability to think critically, discuss respectfully and articulate their own beliefs and values with confidence. 

We aim for all pupils to: 

• Develop substantive knowledge of religions and worldviews 
• Make connections between beliefs, practices and ways of living 
• Reflect on their own identity, values and experiences 
• Show respect, openness and empathy towards others 
• Engage in enquiry, debate and discussion 

RE plays a vital role in pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, enabling them to understand diversity and prepare for life in modern Britain. 

Implementation 

RE is taught through a carefully sequenced, enquiry-based curriculum, following the Oxfordshire Locally Agreed Syllabus. Learning is structured to ensure pupils progressively build knowledge and understanding over time. 

Pupils learn through two key strands: 

• Learning about religion and belief 
• Learning from religion and belief 

Across the school, pupils study: 

• Christianity 
• Islam 
• Judaism 
• Hinduism 
• Sikhism 
• Non-religious worldviews 

Lessons are designed to be engaging, inclusive and thought-provoking, incorporating: 

• Structured enquiry questions 
• Discussion and debate 
• Reflection and personal response 
• Opportunities to compare religions and worldviews 
• Use of stories, artefacts and real-life contexts 

Teachers use high-quality questioning to deepen understanding and challenge thinking. Pupils are encouraged to express their views respectfully and listen to others, developing confidence in discussing complex ideas. Assessment is ongoing and used to inform teaching, ensuring that all pupils are supported and challenged appropriately. 

Our curriculum is enhanced through links to our local community and Christian foundation, enabling pupils to connect their learning to real-life contexts and lived experiences. 

Impact 

As a result of the RE curriculum at Aston Rowant, pupils: 

• Develop secure knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews 
• Can explain how beliefs influence actions, values and ways of life 
• Ask thoughtful questions and engage in reasoned discussion 
• Reflect on their own beliefs and demonstrate growing self-awareness 
• Show respect, tolerance and appreciation for diversity 

Pupils are able to make sense of religion, reflect on their own ideas and understand the role belief plays in shaping the world.  

They leave Aston Rowant as thoughtful, informed and respectful individuals, equipped to engage positively with others in a diverse society and prepared for the next stage of their education.