Religious Education

‘The principal aim of religious education is to explore what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that pupils can gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religion and belief, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living.’

RE Today 2021

At South Hylton Primary Academy we challenge everyone to be the best that they can be. High expectations, standards and values are promoted throughout the school and within all lessons. We aim to create learners that are equipped for the future with skills such as; independence, resilience, equality and respect. Religious Education is taught to encourage learners to embody these important qualities; to be independent and respectful of all others. Religious Education is implemented using the Sunderland Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.

At South Hylton Primary Academy children are taught RE in an open and safe environment. Children are encouraged and free to ask questions and seek answers for themselves, with guidance from teachers. They have opportunities to explore a range of religions, faiths and beliefs. They are able to describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices. Children are taught to recognise diversity within our local community of South Hylton and Sunderland as well as the wider world. All children develop the skills needed to engage seriously with religions and world views. This allows learners to have the opportunity to enquire and investigate key concepts in faiths and beliefs. Learners gain the ability to make enquiries into what enables different individuals and communities to live together respectfully and articulate beliefs and values.

Children will leave South Hylton Primary Academy with a coherent knowledge and understanding of Religions in Britain and of the wider world. We aim to inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the Religions. Our topics are planned to encourage children to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, present and evaluate arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. Religious Education helps pupils to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.

For detailed information about our curriculum and subjects, please visit the Key Information page.