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Religious Education

At Tewin, Religious Education plays a vital role in nurturing children’s spiritual development and understanding of the world. Guided by our Christian vision and inspired by our mustard seed ethos, we encourage children to explore big questions so that small seeds of curiosity grow into faith, understanding and respect for others. 

What we want children to learn 

Our intent in Religious Education is to enable children to explore, understand and reflect on Christianity and other major world religions, while developing their own beliefs and values. 

We aim for pupils to: ​​​​

  • Develop a secure understanding of Christianity, as the foundation of our school’s ethos 
  • Learn about other major world faiths and belief systems represented in Britain today 
  • Explore fundamental questions about life, faith, meaning and morality 
  • Understand what it means to belong to and practise a faith
  • Reflect on their own experiences and develop personal responses to spiritual and moral questions 
  • Learn to respect and value diversity within society 

How RE is taught 

Religious Education is taught through a carefully planned and progressive curriculum that meets the requirements of the locally agreed syllabus and reflects the expectations of a Church of England school. 

Christianity is taught in every year group, alongside other world religions such as Judaism, Islam and Hinduism. Learning is structured to build knowledge and understanding over time, allowing pupils to revisit key concepts and deepen their understanding as they progress through the school. 

Teaching approaches include: 

  • Enquiry-based learning and discussion
  • Exploration of religious texts, stories and symbols
  • Opportunities for reflection, questioning and personal response
  • Use of visitors, artefacts and first-hand experiences

As a Church of England school, we place great value on our strong links with St Peter’s Church. Pupils regularly take part in church services that celebrate key events in the Christian calendar, often led by the children themselves. A member of the church team leads weekly worship in school and supports learning through workshops and visits to the church. Our vicar works closely with staff and pupils, providing spiritual guidance and theological support. 

Parental Right to Withdraw from Religious Education

We recognise and respect the right of parents and carers to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education, in accordance with statutory requirements.

At Tewin Cowper, we value RE as an important part of our broad and balanced curriculum and encourage all children to participate in the rich learning opportunities it provides. However, parents and carers who wish to exercise their right to withdraw their child from RE are invited to contact the Headteacher to discuss their request and the arrangements that will be made.

What children achieve 

Through Religious Education, pupils develop a deeper understanding of faith, belief and values, as well as the skills to reflect thoughtfully and respectfully. 

By the time pupils leave Tewin Cowper, they will: 

  • Have a secure understanding of Christianity and knowledge of other major world religions
  • Be able to ask thoughtful questions and engage in meaningful discussion about faith and belief 
  • Show respect for different beliefs, values and ways of life 
  • Reflect on their own beliefs and values with confidence and sensitivity 
  • Demonstrate understanding of the cultural and religious diversity of modern Britain 

As a result, pupils leave Tewin Cowper believing in themselves, growing in spiritual awareness and understanding, and succeeding as respectful, reflective individuals ready for the next stage of their education and life beyond school.