The RE Lead in school is Jodie Ward.

As Religious Education Lead, I am committed to ensuring that RE is a rigorous, inclusive, and inspiring subject that contributes to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. I co-authored a bespoke RE scheme in collaboration with colleagues across our trust, designed to meet the requirements of the locally agreed syllabus while promoting deep thinking and respect for diversity. This scheme has been successfully implemented across our schools and sold widely across Essex, evidencing its quality and relevance.

Our curriculum is taught through three distinct lenses:

• Theological – exploring beliefs, teachings, and sources of authority within religions.
• Philosophical – considering big questions about meaning, truth, and ethics.
• Human and Social Sciences – examining how religion and worldviews influence individuals, communities, and society.

In my role, I provide strategic leadership for RE, supporting teachers through high-quality CPD, monitoring provision, and ensuring progression from EYFS to Year 6. I work closely with senior leaders to embed RE within our wider curriculum intent, ensuring pupils develop knowledge and understanding of major world religions and non-religious worldviews, alongside skills of enquiry, analysis, and reflection. My leadership ensures that RE contributes to preparing pupils for life in modern Britain and promotes fundamental British values.

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Vision

Our vision is for Religious Education to be a dynamic and thought-provoking subject that enables pupils to explore big questions about meaning, purpose, and belief. We aim to:

• Develop knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews through theological, philosophical, and human/social science lenses.
• Promote respect and tolerance, preparing pupils for life in a diverse society.
• Encourage critical thinking and reflection, enabling pupils to form their own reasoned views.
• Support SMSC development, fostering empathy, curiosity, and moral responsibility.

Through our curriculum, pupils learn not only about religion but from religion, gaining insights that help them navigate complex ethical and cultural issues. We strive to ensure RE is inclusive, academically challenging, and relevant to pupils’ lives, equipping them with the skills and dispositions needed for lifelong learning and responsible citizenship.

Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE teaching.