RE at Co-op Academy Medlock

'Tolerance is the only thing that will enable persons belonging to different religions to live as good neighbours and friends.'

Mahatma Gandhi

 

Intent

Religious Education (RE) is an integral part of the broad and balanced curriculum at Co-op Academy Medlock. It supports the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of all pupils, enabling them to become well-rounded, thoughtful citizens. We believe every child should have opportunities to explore their own beliefs, values, and attitudes while developing an understanding and respect for those of others.

Our RE curriculum helps pupils understand how religion and belief systems provide insight into the world and its people. Pupils explore the influence of religion on history, society, and contemporary life, considering its impact in Britain and globally. The curriculum has been adapted to our school context while remaining fully compliant with the Manchester Agreed Syllabus and supported by Manchester SACRE.

We value the diversity of our school community and ensure it is reflected in our RE curriculum. Pupils learn about people from around the world and the many ways in which faith is practised. This helps children understand themselves, appreciate others, and develop a sense of belonging within a respectful and inclusive community.

 

Implementation

RE is taught by class teachers and supported by the subject lead to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery.

In the Early Years, pupils develop their understanding of people and communities through Understanding the World topics. Learning combines adult-led and child-initiated activities and includes visits to local community spaces, museums, and places of worship. Stories, poems, and non-fiction texts expose children to culturally and socially diverse perspectives. This is supplemented by 3 RE topics in nursery and 2 in Reception. 

Across Key Stages 1 and 2, the curriculum builds on these foundations through medium-term planning developed by the subject leader. Units revisit key concepts and develop both substantive knowledge (religions, beliefs, sacred texts, and significant figures) and disciplinary knowledge (how to interpret sources, ask questions, and critically engage with ideas). RE supports learning in other subjects, particularly humanities, and enables pupils to transfer knowledge across the curriculum.

Units are structured around three strands: Believing, Expressing, and Living. These strands are revisited across year groups to ensure a deep understanding of religious ideas. Pupils explore the Abrahamic Faiths before studying a wider range of religious and non-religious worldviews in upper Key Stage 2. Religious and cultural workshops further enrich the curriculum, celebrating multi-faith and multicultural perspectives.

Critical thinking is a central feature of RE. Pupils are encouraged to justify their opinions, reflect on personal experiences, and engage in dialogue about identity, diversity, and belief. Lessons are designed to develop discussion, evaluation, and reflection skills, helping pupils express their own views with confidence and empathy.

Reading and vocabulary development are prioritised throughout RE. Pupils engage with texts such as poems, biographies, non-fiction, and sacred texts, both within lessons and across other subjects. This strengthens comprehension, communication, and understanding of complex ideas.

Our location near the city centre provides rich opportunities for first-hand learning. Pupils visit local places of worship and work closely with community partners such as Brunswick Church, enhancing their understanding of religious practice and cultural heritage.

Impact

Assessment in RE is ongoing and purposeful. Teachers and subject leads triangulate evidence from observations, pupil work, and discussions to evaluate learning. In Key Stages 1 and 2, exit tickets assess knowledge at the end of lessons, and ‘knowledge catchers’ are used at the end of a unit. Gaps are identified and shared with the subject leader to inform future planning and ensure progress.

RE at Co-op Academy Medlock enables pupils to engage thoughtfully with religious and ethical questions. They demonstrate empathy, respect, and kindness while producing work of high quality. Pupils develop confidence, critical thinking, and understanding of diverse beliefs, preparing them to contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.