Religious Education (RE)
Welcome to Religious Education (RE) at Aston Rowant CE Primary School
Religious Education at Aston Rowant is not just a subject - it is a living, breathing part of our school’s identity. It shapes our ethos, inspires our thinking, and helps our whole community grow in understanding, compassion and wisdom. As a Church of England Primary School, our Christian vision - Growing together, rooted in God, enjoying fullness of life (Colossians 2:1–7) - runs through every aspect of our RE provision. It guides us as we nurture pupils who flourish academically, spiritually, morally and personally.
RE at Aston Rowant is a space where children:
- Ask meaningful questions
- Explore big ideas
- Deepen their understanding of Christianity
- Appreciate diverse faiths and world views
- Develop empathy, respect and curiosity
- Reflect on their own beliefs, identity and values
In an increasingly complex world, these skills are not optional - they are essential. RE helps our pupils grow into thoughtful, reflective, courageous and compassionate individuals who understand themselves and the diverse communities around them.
What Makes RE at Aston Rowant Distinctive?
At Aston Rowant, RE is:
Theologically rooted
We explore Christianity through carefully sequenced, theologically informed units that deepen understanding as children progress through the school. Pupils study the Bible, Christian belief, practice and tradition with increasing complexity, always within our school’s Christian vision.
Academically rigorous
RE is taught as a core subject - with the same level of challenge, aspiration and monitoring as English, Maths and Science. Children learn to think critically, question deeply, analyse texts, evaluate arguments and articulate their own insights clearly and respectfully.
Inclusive of all faiths and none
We welcome all children and families, whatever their background or beliefs. RE at Aston Rowant honours diversity and creates space for pupils to explore other world religions and world views with respect, curiosity and integrity. Every child’s voice is valued.
Central to our identity as a church school
RE sits at the heart of our distinctive ethos. The Christian narrative is woven into our values, our worship, our relationships and our daily life. Through RE, pupils learn how belief shapes character, community and choices - and how they too can live with purpose.
A driver of spiritual, moral and cultural development
RE provides rich opportunities for reflection, awe, wonder, creativity and dialogue. Through stories, discussion, art, drama and enquiry, children explore what it means to be human, to belong, to believe, to hope, to forgive, to question and to love.
A High-Quality RE Education for Every Child
We are proud of:
- Our robust and well-sequenced curriculum
- Our use of the ODBE RE Scheme — crafted with our headteacher on the writing panel
- Our commitment to high expectations, deep thinking and flourishing
- Our governor involvement, leadership focus and rigorous monitoring
- Our strong relationship with the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education (ODBE)
- Our annual RE Enrichment Week, enabling extended reflection, creativity and spiritual exploration
Children at Aston Rowant do not simply learn about religion - they learn from religion, developing the wisdom, empathy and integrity needed to contribute positively to the world.
Community links
We have a close and valued link with St Peter and St Paul's in Aston Rowant. Our annual Christmas celebration service sees the church filled with children, staff, parents/carers and relatives. We also have church services for Remembrance, Easter and for our Year 6 leavers. School Council organise harvest gifts, very generously donated by families. The tinned and packaged goods and toiletries are given to Sharing Life Food Bank, which supports local families in Thame and Chinnor.
We greatly value the regular visits of the 'Open the Book' group from our local Church. Stories from the Bible are brought to life through drama and discussion, in such an engaging way that captures the pupils' interest and supports their reflection.
Parents do have the right to withdraw pupils from RE. If parents wish to do this, they must make an appointment with the Headteacher. The school does not support selective withdrawal from RE and strongly advises against it as we believe all children benefit from having an understanding and respect for all faiths.