At Wildridings, we deeply value the individuality of every staff member and student, celebrating the diverse cultures, religions, beliefs, and backgrounds that make up our school community. We recognise that each child brings their own unique story, and we actively embrace and celebrate this diversity in various meaningful ways.

In line with the agreed syllabus for Religious Education (RE), we provide opportunities for children to explore and learn about a wide range of world religions and cultures. This enables them to gain a greater understanding of the different ways people live, think, and celebrate. We celebrate diversity by:

• Engaging with families: We invite children and their families to share personal stories, customs, and celebrations from their homes and cultural backgrounds, enriching our learning experience.
• Visiting places of significance: For example, we visit local places of worship, such as the church, where children can experience religious celebrations and learn through interactive, hands-on sessions.
• Exploring artefacts and resources: We are fortunate to have a variety of artefacts and resources that allow children to engage with religious objects, symbols, and traditions, promoting discussion and reflection.

In-depth Discussion and Respectful Dialogue

RE at Wildridings provides a rich platform for in-depth discussions on religious beliefs and practices. Our curriculum fosters an environment where children feel safe to express their views, listen to others, and engage in thoughtful debates. Through these discussions, we encourage children to explore different perspectives, evaluate their own beliefs, and respect the views of others.

Our focus on respect aligns with one of our core Golden Values: “I will always show respect”. We believe that RE provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce this value, helping children to appreciate the diversity of religious and philosophical beliefs around them. By engaging in constructive thinking, children learn to:

• Evaluate and justify their own opinions
• Consider and respect differing views
• Engage with others’ beliefs in a thoughtful and considerate manner

Through this approach, we aim to foster a school culture where children develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and the ability to engage with others respectfully, regardless of their beliefs.

Supporting Personal and Social Development

Our RE programme plays an important role in supporting children's personal and social development, particularly in helping them to understand their place in a diverse world. By encouraging children to engage with a variety of religious teachings and perspectives, we equip them with the skills to navigate a multicultural society, fostering a sense of empathy, tolerance, and responsibility.

At Wildridings, we are committed to developing young people who understand the importance of respect, kindness, and inclusivity, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute positively to society.

If you would like to discuss your child's RE lessons please contact their class teacher primarily. They will be able to explain the content of the work and address any concerns that you may have. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of the RE curriculum.