Sparken Hill Academy
Religious Education
Our teaching of Religious Education follows the guidance given in the latest Agreed Syllabus for Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire:
Religious Education (RE)
RE helps children become curious, respectful and well-informed about the religions and worldviews that shape people's lives, in Worksop, across Britain and around the world.
Intent
Why we teach RE
RE gives children space to ask big questions about meaning, belief, right and wrong, and what it means to be human, and to explore how different people answer them. Our children come from many different backgrounds, and RE helps them understand and value one another.
We follow the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire 2026-2031. Through it, we aim for every pupil to:
Aim AKnow and understanda range of religions and worldviews, recognising the diversity in our community and wider society.
Aim BExpress ideas and insightsabout the nature, significance and impact of religions and worldviews, as they develop their own views.
Aim CDevelop the skillsthey need to engage seriously and respectfully with religions and worldviews.
Everyone has a worldview
Not everyone follows a religion, but everyone has a worldview: a way of making sense of life. Our curriculum includes non-religious worldviews alongside the principal religions represented in Great Britain, with Christianity studied in every key stage.
Implementation
How we teach RE
In Key Stages 1 and 2, RE is taught through carefully sequenced units, each built around an enquiry question such as "What makes some places special?" or "How do people decide what is right and wrong?". Children build knowledge step by step, returning to key ideas and deepening their understanding as they move through school. Each unit has a small number of clear "to know" statements, in line with our whole-school approach of Doing Less. Well.
In RE lessons, children will
Learn about beliefs
The beliefs, practices and stories of religious and non-religious worldviews.
Understand how we know
The different ways people come to know and understand religion and belief.
Talk thoughtfully
Using accurate subject vocabulary and discussing ideas respectfully.
Reflect and listen
Reflecting on their own experiences and views, and listening carefully to the views of others.
Religions and worldviews we study
Across our two-year rolling cycle, every child studies a wide range of religions and worldviews, returning to each in more depth as they grow.
Religion or worldview Key Stage 1 Lower Key Stage 2 Upper Key Stage 2 Christianity ✓ ✓ ✓ Judaism ✓ ✓ ✓ Islam ✓ ✓ ✓ Hinduism - ✓ ✓ Sikhi ✓ - ✓ Humanism and non-religious worldviews ✓ ✓ ✓
Foundation Stage
In Nursery and Reception, children encounter religions and worldviews through special people, stories, times, places and objects. They listen to and talk about stories, explore celebrations, ask questions and reflect on their own feelings and experiences.
Bringing RE to life
Children hear directly from people about what they believe and how it shapes their lives.
- Every phasePlaces of worshipVisits to local churches, mosques, synagogues and mandirs
- Every phaseFaith visitorsVisitors from local faith and belief communities
- Upper Key Stage 2Beth ShalomThe National Holocaust Centre, linked to our Kindertransport unit
Impact
What children achieve
Teachers assess each unit against its "to know" statements, so we can check that knowledge is secure before moving on. By the time they leave Sparken Hill Academy, children have a secure knowledge of a range of religions and worldviews.
Knowledgeable
Children talk confidently about beliefs and practices, using the right vocabulary.
Thoughtful and respectful
They ask thoughtful questions, explain their own views and listen with respect to people who see the world differently.
Ready for life in modern Britain
RE supports spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and British Values, particularly mutual respect for, and tolerance of, those with different faiths and beliefs.
Right to withdraw
We believe RE is an important part of every child's education and hope that all children will take part. However, parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE lessons or collective worship. If you are considering this, please contact the school office to arrange a conversation with Mr Lilley, so we can talk through the content of our RE curriculum and the arrangements. Children who are withdrawn will be appropriately supervised during those lessons.
If you have any questions about our RE curriculum, please do not hesitate to contact the academy.
RE: Whole School Journey
Curious, respectful and well-informed.
Each half-term brings a new enquiry from the Agreed Syllabus for RE in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire 2026-2031. Every child meets all twelve units for their phase across our two-year cycle. Follow the road from Reception to Year 6. E = even year, O = odd year.
Religions and worldviews we study
- Christianity
- Judaism
- Islam
- Hinduism
- Sikhi
- Humanism and non-religious worldviews
Y5/6O
- Aut 1 · Unit 5.3The Impact of BeliefsIslam, Hinduism, non-religious
- Aut 2 · Unit 6.4Rescuers and Upstanders: the KindertransportJudaism
- Spr 1 · Unit 5.4Art, Architecture and CharityChristianity, Islam
- Spr 2 · Unit 6.6What Kind of King?Christianity
- Sum 1 · Unit 6.3Global IssuesSeveral religions and worldviews
- Sum 2 · Unit 6.2Respect for EveryoneSeveral religions and worldviews
Y5/6E
- Aut 1 · Unit 5.1Inspiring Leaders TodaySeveral religions and worldviews
- Aut 2 · Unit 5.2What Matters to Christians?Christianity
- Spr 1 · Unit 5.5Humanist and Christian ValuesHumanism, Christianity
- Spr 2 · Unit 5.6Muslims in Britain TodayIslam
- Sum 1 · Unit 6.1Reflecting on WisdomJudaism, Christianity, Islam, Humanism
- Sum 2 · Unit 6.5Sikhs in Britain TodaySikhi
Y3/4O
- Aut 1 · Unit 3.1The Impact of ChristianityChristianity
- Aut 2 · Unit 3.2PrayerChristianity, Islam
- Spr 1 · Unit 4.6Hindu Practice and FestivalsHinduism
- Spr 2 · Unit 4.4Why ‘Good’ Friday?Christianity
- Sum 1 · Unit 4.2PilgrimageSeveral religions and worldviews
- Sum 2 · Unit 4.5A Better World?Several religions and worldviews
Y3/4E
- Aut 1 · Unit 3.5Jewish Festivals and Family LifeJudaism
- Aut 2 · Unit 4.3Christianity, Music and WorshipChristianity
- Spr 1 · Unit 3.3Places for WorshipIslam, Hinduism, Christianity
- Spr 2 · Unit 3.4Inspiring People from the PastJudaism, Christianity, Islam
- Sum 1 · Unit 3.6Life’s Big EventsSeveral religions and worldviews
- Sum 2 · Unit 4.1Life as a JourneyChristianity, Hinduism, Islam, Humanism
Y1/2O
- Aut 1 · Unit 1.5Synagogue and ChurchChristianity, Judaism
- Aut 2 · Unit 2.3HumanistsHumanism
- Spr 1 · Unit 2.5SikhsSikhi
- Spr 2 · Unit 1.4EasterChristianity
- Sum 1 · Unit 1.3Stories of JesusChristianity
- Sum 2 · Unit 1.6Moses and Saint PeterJudaism, Christianity
Y1/2E
- Aut 1 · Unit 2.1Belonging: Local ChristianityChristianity
- Aut 2 · Unit 1.1CelebratingChristianity, Judaism
- Spr 1 · Unit 2.2Jewish BeliefsJudaism
- Spr 2 · Unit 2.4MuslimsIslam
- Sum 1 · Unit 2.6Torah and Bible StoriesJudaism, Christianity
- Sum 2 · Unit 1.2Myself and Caring for OthersChristianity, Judaism, Humanism
YearR
Reception: the journey starts with special people, special stories, special times, special places, belonging, and our wonderful world.
Religious Education (RE)
RE helps children become curious, respectful and well-informed about the religions and worldviews that shape people's lives, in Worksop, across Britain and around the world.
Why we teach RE
RE gives children space to ask big questions about meaning, belief, right and wrong, and what it means to be human, and to explore how different people answer them. Our children come from many different backgrounds, and RE helps them understand and value one another.
We follow the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire 2026-2031. Through it, we aim for every pupil to:
Aim AKnow and understand
a range of religions and worldviews, recognising the diversity in our community and wider society.
Aim BExpress ideas and insights
about the nature, significance and impact of religions and worldviews, as they develop their own views.
Aim CDevelop the skills
they need to engage seriously and respectfully with religions and worldviews.
Everyone has a worldview
Not everyone follows a religion, but everyone has a worldview: a way of making sense of life. Our curriculum includes non-religious worldviews alongside the principal religions represented in Great Britain, with Christianity studied in every key stage.
How we teach RE
In Key Stages 1 and 2, RE is taught through carefully sequenced units, each built around an enquiry question such as "What makes some places special?" or "How do people decide what is right and wrong?". Children build knowledge step by step, returning to key ideas and deepening their understanding as they move through school. Each unit has a small number of clear "to know" statements, in line with our whole-school approach of Doing Less. Well.
In RE lessons, children will
Learn about beliefs
The beliefs, practices and stories of religious and non-religious worldviews.
Understand how we know
The different ways people come to know and understand religion and belief.
Talk thoughtfully
Using accurate subject vocabulary and discussing ideas respectfully.
Reflect and listen
Reflecting on their own experiences and views, and listening carefully to the views of others.
Religions and worldviews we study
Across our two-year rolling cycle, every child studies a wide range of religions and worldviews, returning to each in more depth as they grow.
| Religion or worldview | Key Stage 1 | Lower Key Stage 2 | Upper Key Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christianity | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Judaism | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islam | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hinduism | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sikhi | ✓ | - | ✓ |
| Humanism and non-religious worldviews | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Foundation Stage
In Nursery and Reception, children encounter religions and worldviews through special people, stories, times, places and objects. They listen to and talk about stories, explore celebrations, ask questions and reflect on their own feelings and experiences.
Bringing RE to life
Children hear directly from people about what they believe and how it shapes their lives.
- Every phasePlaces of worshipVisits to local churches, mosques, synagogues and mandirs
- Every phaseFaith visitorsVisitors from local faith and belief communities
- Upper Key Stage 2Beth ShalomThe National Holocaust Centre, linked to our Kindertransport unit
What children achieve
Teachers assess each unit against its "to know" statements, so we can check that knowledge is secure before moving on. By the time they leave Sparken Hill Academy, children have a secure knowledge of a range of religions and worldviews.
Knowledgeable
Children talk confidently about beliefs and practices, using the right vocabulary.
Thoughtful and respectful
They ask thoughtful questions, explain their own views and listen with respect to people who see the world differently.
Ready for life in modern Britain
RE supports spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and British Values, particularly mutual respect for, and tolerance of, those with different faiths and beliefs.
Right to withdraw
We believe RE is an important part of every child's education and hope that all children will take part. However, parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE lessons or collective worship. If you are considering this, please contact the school office to arrange a conversation with Mr Lilley, so we can talk through the content of our RE curriculum and the arrangements. Children who are withdrawn will be appropriately supervised during those lessons.
If you have any questions about our RE curriculum, please do not hesitate to contact the academy.
RE: Whole School Journey
Curious, respectful and well-informed.
Each half-term brings a new enquiry from the Agreed Syllabus for RE in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire 2026-2031. Every child meets all twelve units for their phase across our two-year cycle. Follow the road from Reception to Year 6. E = even year, O = odd year.
Religions and worldviews we study
- Christianity
- Judaism
- Islam
- Hinduism
- Sikhi
- Humanism and non-religious worldviews
Y5/6O
- Aut 1 · Unit 5.3The Impact of BeliefsIslam, Hinduism, non-religious
- Aut 2 · Unit 6.4Rescuers and Upstanders: the KindertransportJudaism
- Spr 1 · Unit 5.4Art, Architecture and CharityChristianity, Islam
- Spr 2 · Unit 6.6What Kind of King?Christianity
- Sum 1 · Unit 6.3Global IssuesSeveral religions and worldviews
- Sum 2 · Unit 6.2Respect for EveryoneSeveral religions and worldviews
Y5/6E
- Aut 1 · Unit 5.1Inspiring Leaders TodaySeveral religions and worldviews
- Aut 2 · Unit 5.2What Matters to Christians?Christianity
- Spr 1 · Unit 5.5Humanist and Christian ValuesHumanism, Christianity
- Spr 2 · Unit 5.6Muslims in Britain TodayIslam
- Sum 1 · Unit 6.1Reflecting on WisdomJudaism, Christianity, Islam, Humanism
- Sum 2 · Unit 6.5Sikhs in Britain TodaySikhi
Y3/4O
- Aut 1 · Unit 3.1The Impact of ChristianityChristianity
- Aut 2 · Unit 3.2PrayerChristianity, Islam
- Spr 1 · Unit 4.6Hindu Practice and FestivalsHinduism
- Spr 2 · Unit 4.4Why ‘Good’ Friday?Christianity
- Sum 1 · Unit 4.2PilgrimageSeveral religions and worldviews
- Sum 2 · Unit 4.5A Better World?Several religions and worldviews
Y3/4E
- Aut 1 · Unit 3.5Jewish Festivals and Family LifeJudaism
- Aut 2 · Unit 4.3Christianity, Music and WorshipChristianity
- Spr 1 · Unit 3.3Places for WorshipIslam, Hinduism, Christianity
- Spr 2 · Unit 3.4Inspiring People from the PastJudaism, Christianity, Islam
- Sum 1 · Unit 3.6Life’s Big EventsSeveral religions and worldviews
- Sum 2 · Unit 4.1Life as a JourneyChristianity, Hinduism, Islam, Humanism
Y1/2O
- Aut 1 · Unit 1.5Synagogue and ChurchChristianity, Judaism
- Aut 2 · Unit 2.3HumanistsHumanism
- Spr 1 · Unit 2.5SikhsSikhi
- Spr 2 · Unit 1.4EasterChristianity
- Sum 1 · Unit 1.3Stories of JesusChristianity
- Sum 2 · Unit 1.6Moses and Saint PeterJudaism, Christianity
Y1/2E
- Aut 1 · Unit 2.1Belonging: Local ChristianityChristianity
- Aut 2 · Unit 1.1CelebratingChristianity, Judaism
- Spr 1 · Unit 2.2Jewish BeliefsJudaism
- Spr 2 · Unit 2.4MuslimsIslam
- Sum 1 · Unit 2.6Torah and Bible StoriesJudaism, Christianity
- Sum 2 · Unit 1.2Myself and Caring for OthersChristianity, Judaism, Humanism
YearR
Reception: the journey starts with special people, special stories, special times, special places, belonging, and our wonderful world.