Curriculum Intent

Our Religious Education curriculum follows an agreed Hampshire syllabus called ‘Living Difference IV'.  Since 2004, it has been the statutory framework which defines the matters, skills and processes to guide individual schools developing their curriculum. It is intended to provide the basis of good teaching in religious education and, as a result, be open to the plurality of ways in which people live within our local and national communities and the world.

The intent of our curriculum is to:

• Encourage children to share their own thoughts and beliefs in a safe environment.

• Encourage empathy, respect and acceptance of their own and others faith and beliefs.

• Promote tolerance, particularly in light of media and public opinion regarding specific religions and cultures.

• Teach children about many aspects of different religions and discusses the similarities and differences between these.

• Celebrate others’ beliefs, events and festivals

We think our curriculum should reflect our community and we encourage everyone in bringing their faith, values or experiences into our school. We believe a curriculum that reflects the community our children live in is something that should be inclusive for all. Therefore, during their time at Bitterne Manor Primary School, the children study 4 world religions and learn about non-religious worldviews:

• Christianity (main religion – taught in years R - 6)

• Sikhism (taught in years R, 1, 2)

• Hinduism (taught in years 3, 4)

• Islam (taught in years 5, 6)

• Humanism (taught in years 5, 6)

Please share any experiences, opportunities or links you may have that would enhance our children's curriculum. We would love to hear from you.

Curriculum Implementation:

The minimum number of hours that pupils will spend on R.E. increases as they move through the school.  In Year R and KS1, the expectation is 36 hours a year, whereas in KS2 this increases to 45 hours a year.  This time is blocked to make the learning more effective and meaningful for the children. 

R.E. is taught through concepts at Bitterne Manor Primary School using a cycle of enquiry.  The cycle starts at either Enquire or Communicate.  

Curriculum Impact

Each half term we assess one part of the cycle (contextualize is assessed twice) to show children’s progress. These assessments can include written work, recordings of children’s discussions, annotated art work and notes of children’s comments.  

Collective Worship:

Collective Worship is an important part of our school community.  Assemblies are organised as follows:

• Monday:   Whole School assembly – led by the Headteacher

• Tuesday:  Whole School assembly – led by the Deputy Head
• Wednesday: Whole School Assembly - Class News / Singing
• Thursday: KS1 Celebration Assembly / KS2 Class Assembly. Parents of children in the 'Golden Book' are invited to attend.
• Friday:  KS2 Celebration Assembly / KS1 Class Assembly. Parents of children in the 'Golden Book' are invited to attend.

Further Information:

Hampshire RE moodle

BBC Religions of the World

Charlie & Blue

BBC KS2 My Life, My Religion

RE: Quest – Christianity – KS1 and KS2

Truetube