Religious Education (R.E.) is central to the purpose of Eastnor because, as a church school, we see that the Christian faith informs all aspects of our lives, locally, nationally and through global contexts. We create learning opportunities in R.E. that will inspire, enthuse and motivate children in their exploration of religions. R.E. supports and strengthens our Christian vision, ethos and values, which are at the heart of what we aim to do in every aspect of school life. The importance of the whole child, spiritually, morally, culturally and intellectually is reflected in our R.E. curriculum.

The aim of R.E. at Eastnor Primary School is to inspire children to ‘do everything with love’ (Corinthians 16:14) primarily through the teachings of Christianity as well as learning about and from other faiths and worldviews. Love is at the heart of all that we do here at Eastnor Primary School. We believe that through the value of love every person will feel secure and happy enabling them to flourish. Through the value of love we can inspire children to live life to the full through love, respect, forgiveness and stewardship, inspiring to and achieving their fullest potential. Our Christian vision captures the school’s commitment to provide a nourishing education which is deep and broad, inspiring our children with a love of learning and responsible citizenship.

At Eastnor, we engage pupils in an ‘enquiry’ approach into significant human questions which religions and worldviews address, so that they can develop the understanding and skills needed to appreciate and appraise varied responses to these questions, as well as develop responses of their own.  It enables the children to develop an understanding and appreciation for the expression of beliefs, cultural practices and influence of principle religions and worldviews in the local, national and wider global community.  It promotes respect and open-mindedness towards others with different faiths and beliefs, and encourages the children to develop their sense of identity and belonging through self-awareness and reflection.

We teach our R.E. Curriculum based on the agreed syllabus provided by Herefordshire's Local Education Authority, embedding the resource ‘Understanding Christianity’ with the key purpose of supporting pupils in developing their own thinking of Christianity as a contribution to their understanding of the world and their own experience within it.

The Herefordshire R.E. syllabus is based around a key question approach, where the questions open up the content to be studied.  The key questions give suggested content and support teachers in delivering high-quality R.E. that enables good planning and progression.  Pupils are taught R.E. in class groups, following a whole school 2 year plan and units of work by R.E. Today.  Teachers adapt their approach and incorporate strategies to take account of pupils’ individual ability.  Work in R.E. is not always in written form and there is an emphasis on discussion, drama, dance, music and art. 

We also offer a range of different experiences and enrichment opportunities.  These include making visits to religious places of worship, contacting a believer via email, meeting visitors from local religious communities and taking part in whole school and Trust events such as multi-faith days, Harvest Festival, school performances, Experience Easter workshops.

By the time our children leave Eastnor we want them to have the skills and knowledge to be able to not only express their views and beliefs, but to be able to respect and understand the views of other people both locally and worldwide. We want them to have an interest about the religions and world beliefs in the local, national and wider global community, and a desire to learn more. r

Celebrating RE - Recommended Reads