At John Betts Primary School, our Religious Education (R.E) curriculum is an enquiry approach which follows the ‘Discovery RE’ program. We explore a key question throughout our enquiry to examine ‘evidence’ and reach a conclusion based on this. The purpose is for children to actively use their subject knowledge and apply it to the enquiry question, rather than just ‘acquiring’ facts. The enquiry method follows four key steps in order to make learning exciting, engaging and holistic. They are as follows:

• Step 1 – Engagement: We explore the children’s own experience, whether that relates to religion or not. This allows them to better understand the world of religion.
• Step 2 – Investigation: The children are guided through the enquiry, gaining subject knowledge about the religion/belief system. This allows them to examine and consider the key question in-depth.
• Step 3 – Evaluation: Children’s learning is drawn together and conclusions about the key question of the enquiry are made.
• Step 4 – Expression: Children are taken back to Step 1, their own experience, and are encouraged to reflect on how this might influence their own starting points and beliefs.

Our RE curriculum focuses on critical thinking skills, personal reflection on thoughts and feelings, growth in subject knowledge and the nurturing of spiritual development.