The aim of Religious Education is to contribute educationally and emotionally to the development of children as individuals and members of society.

We believe that, as a Church of England Middle School, the teaching of Religious Education is of key importance in determining the culture and ethos of our school.

This is achieved by fostering a reflective approach to life, in the context of a growing awareness and understanding of the experiences, attitudes, beliefs and practices of a range of religious and non-religious traditions.

Particular emphasis is placed upon the faith values of the Christian community, setting standards of behaviour and morality through the teachings of Christ. The scheme of work is non-denominational, but teaching about denominational differences, where relevant, is included.

Religious Education is studied by every student throughout the school. One weekly lesson of one hour duration is allocated to its study in each of the four year groups. Each year group studies various themes. These topics are based on the Bedfordshire Agreed Syllabus. The programme seeks to develop knowledge and understanding together with appropriate skills and attitudes. The two main themes ‘Learning about Religions’ and ‘Learning from Religions’ are encountered through the strands of: Sacred Writing, Worship, Holy Places, Festivals, Celebrations, Creation and through studying Christianity and other world religions.


Children are helped to understand something of the meaning and wonder of life, and how and why people worship. We aim to help children to study and think about these issues and to them prepare for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

Right of Withdrawal
Under the 1944 and 1988 Acts, parents have a right to withdraw their children from Religious Education or parts of the Religious Education. Parents who wish to do so are encouraged to discuss this with the Headteacher in the first instance.

Curriculum Overview
Autumn Term	Spring Term	Summer Term
Year 5
Alban School and Worship	The Jewish Nation	Creation Stories
The School What is special about a church? Why do we pray? The importance of St Alban Harvest Festivals	Who was Abraham? Moses as a historical figure The Ten Commandments The Jewish community today	A creator God The role of humans in creation Where do good and evil come from? Religious myths
Year 6
Worship	Rites of Passage	Parables and Miracles
Places of Worship The Parish Church Monasteries The Life and Work of the Clergy	Journey of Life Baptism Coming of Age The Sanctity of Marriage	Healing Miracles Stories with Morals Teachings of Jesus
Year 7
Sikhism	Worship	Islam
Guru Nanak The Ten Gurus The Khalsa The Gurdwara	Different Kinds of Worship Prayer Christian Denominations An Ecumenical Church	Belief in One God The Five Pillars of Islam Family Life Muslim Charity
Year 8
Who am I?	Belief in God	Ethics
The Individual Relationships Decision Making Religious Identity	Why is it sometimes hard to believe in God? Has science ditched God? What makes human beings special?	Tearfund: Lift the Label Cheap labour - poor countries Good versus evil!