RE
At William Hildyard, Religious Education (RE) is a vital part of our curriculum and reflects our distinctive Christian character. As a Church of England school, our RE teaching is rooted in the Christian faith and shaped by values such as respect, friendship, forgiveness and hope. We are committed to nurturing pupils’ understanding of Christianity and enabling them to explore other major world faiths and worldviews.
Our Vision:
RE at William Hildyard supports our Christian vision:
As part of the Aspire Federation, at William Hildyard C of E Primary and Nursery School, we aspire for everyone to 'let their light shine.'
In our school community, we grow well-rounded individuals, who utilise our Christian values to prepare for the challenges of the wider world. We provide a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where individuality is celebrated. We support the children to develop curious minds and enable happy, confident learners to reach their full potential.
Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A town on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.
Through RE, we aim to help children:
• Gain a deep understanding of Christianity and its relevance today
• Explore other faiths and worldviews with curiosity and respect
• Reflect on their own beliefs, identity and values
• Develop spiritual awareness and moral responsibility
• Ask and explore challenging questions about life, faith, and meaning
Our Curriculum
We follow the Lincolnshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (2024–2029), which provides a clear, balanced and progressive structure for RE across all year groups. This is fully supported by the Church of England’s Statement of Entitlement for RE.
Our curriculum ensures that children:
• Study Christianity in every key stage, using high-quality resources
• Learn about other major world religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Sikhism and Buddhism
• Engage with non-religious worldviews such as Humanism
• Explore the ways in which beliefs influence the way people live
The Lincolnshire syllabus promotes a broad, inclusive approach to RE, encouraging children to develop religious literacy and the ability to think deeply and respectfully about faith and belief in a modern world.
How We Teach RE:
RE at our school is:
• Deeply rooted in Christian teaching, values and scripture
• Enquiry-based, centred around big questions that promote exploration and reflection
• Inclusive and respectful, ensuring all pupils feel safe and valued
• Creative and engaging, using stories, art, drama, music, visits and visitors
• Challenging, encouraging critical thinking and personal response
Our RE teaching draws on theology, philosophy and the human and social sciences, helping children to see religion as a lived and diverse experience.
The Importance of RE
RE makes a powerful contribution to pupils’:
• Spiritual development – helping them explore big questions and wonder
• Moral and ethical understanding – encouraging them to reflect on right and wrong
• Cultural understanding – developing awareness of different faiths and traditions
• Social understanding – preparing them to live well with difference
As a Church school, we view RE not just as a subject, but as a key part of developing our children’s spirituality, wisdom, and sense of self and others.
“High-quality Religious Education in Church schools is an essential part of a broad and balanced curriculum. It enables all children to flourish and to live life in all its fullness.”
– SIAMS Inspection Framework, Church of England Education Office
This guidance affirms our belief that RE is central to pupils’ spiritual and personal growth.
Right of Withdrawal
RE is a statutory part of the curriculum for all pupils. However, parents have the legal right to withdraw their child from RE in whole or in part. We encourage parents to discuss any concerns with the Headteacher before making a formal request, as our RE is inclusive, open, and respectful of all backgrounds.
At William Hildyard, we are proud to offer an RE curriculum that is deeply Christian, inclusive in outlook, and designed to help every child grow in understanding, empathy and wisdom.