"The essence of true religious teaching is one should serve and befriend all".

                                                                                      -Mahatma Ghandi

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.

At Swimbridge, RE is about exploring different beliefs and how they change the way people live: individually, in our community and in the wider world. We are developing the knowledge, understanding and skills we will need to handle the big questions in life and to reflect on our own life choices.

RE contributes to knowledge and skills development as it is comprised of three key elements: 

• Making sense of beliefs

• Making connections 

• Understanding the impact

It is expected that children will not only learn knowledge about the beliefs, lifestyles and practices of four core world religious (as well as considering non-religious world views) but that they will also engage in deep and purposeful thinking and discussion about the impact and consequences of these belief sets.

At Swimbridge all of our learning is underpinned by our school vision and the core values of Wisdom, Hope, Community, Dignity and Love. It is recognised that RE is an excellent context through which to develop these skills as well as making links to the wider ‘British Values’ curriculum goals.