RE (Religious Education)

"There is evidence of very good practice in RE throughout the school. Effective planning in RE ensures that all lessons are exciting and challenging... and pupils say they enjoy RE. Very effective use is made of questioning and critical thinking".  SIAMS Oct 2019

RE is taught throughout the school, based on the Suffolk Agreed Syllabus. As a Church of England school we follow the recommendation that greater emphasis is placed on Christianity. We also enrich our curriculum by celebrating Eucharist, Easter, Pentecost, Harvest and Christmas, which often includes services in St Matthew's Church. 

In Reception, RE is taught as a discrete lesson and the children learn more about Christianity. During each unit of work they are also given the opportunity to briefly 'encounter' another belief. In our diverse school this is often experienced by learning from each other and the traditions and practices in others' families. In Key Stage 1 the children continue to study Christianity but are also introduced to Judaism, Hinduism and Islam as well. In Key Stage 2 lessons focus on Christianity, however pupils also develop their understanding of other beliefs including Judaism, Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Humanism. This gives the children an opportunity to ask questions and compare religions. Much of the learning undertaken in Key Stage 1 and Year 3 is evidenced in RE scrapbooks. You are welcome to look at these any time and the display boards in every classroom. Just ask the class teacher.

Pupils in the Church School Council help monitor RE provision and meet regularly with the RE Leader and Headteacher to share their thoughts and opinions.