“ It teaches children about what it means to be human, about how different people live their lives and about how these people come together to form the community in which they live.”
Katie Freeman, RE leader and author.
Religious Education at Handale
At Handale, we teach Religious Education to help our pupils explore and understand the world around them, develop respect for different beliefs, and reflect on their own values.
Using the Discovery RE programme, our curriculum provides a structured and engaging approach that introduces children to a wide range of religions, worldviews, and ethical issues.
RE at Handale does more than teach about faith—it supports literacy through discussion and reflection, encourages critical thinking, and enhances personal, social, and emotional development.
Long Term Plan
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
| Year 1 | Theme: Creation Story Concept: God/Creation Key Question: Does God want Christians to look after the world? Religion: Christianity | Theme: Christmas Concept: Incarnation Key Question: What gifts might Christians in my town given Jesus if he had been born here rather than Bethlehem? Religion: Christianity | Theme: Jesus as a friend Concept: Incarnation Key Question: Was it always easy for Jesus to show friendship? Religion: Christianity | Theme: Easter-Palm Sunday Concept: Salvation Key Question: Why was Jesus welcomed like a king or celebrity by the crowds on Palm Sunday? Religion: Christianity | Theme: Shabbat Key Question: Is Shabbat important to Jewish children? Religion: Judaism | Theme: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Key Question: Are Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur important to Jewish children? Religion: Judaism |
| Year 2 | Theme: What did Jesus teach? Concept: Gospel Key Question: Is it possible to be kind to everyone all of the time? Religion: Christianity | Theme: Christmas – Jesus as a gift from God Concept: Incarnation Key Question: Why do Christians believe God gave Jesus to the world? Religion: Christianity | Theme: Passover Key Question: How important is it for Jewish people to do what God asks them to do? Religion: Judaism | Theme: Easter-Resurrection Concept: Salvation Key Question: How important is it to Christians that Jesus came back to life after his crucifixion? Religion: Christianity | Theme: The Covenant Key Question: How special is the relationship Jews have with God? Religion: Judaism | Theme: Rites of passage and good works Key Question: What is the best way for a Jew to show commitment to God? Religion: Judaism |
| Year 3 | Theme: Divali Key Question: Would celebrating Divali at home and in the community bring a feeling of belonging to a Hindu child? Religion: Hinduism | Theme: Christmas Concept: Incarnation Key Question: Has Christmas lost its true meaning? Religion: Christianity | Theme: Jesus’ Miracles Concept: Incarnation Key Question Could Jesus heal people? Were these miracles or is there some other explanation? Religion: Christianity | Theme: Easter Concept: Salvation Key Question: What is ‘good’ about Good Friday? Religion: Christianity | Theme: Hindu Beliefs Key Question: How can Brahman be everywhere and in everything? Religion: Hinduism | Theme: Pilgrimage to the River Ganges Key Question: Would visiting the River Ganges feel special to a non-Hindu? Religion: Hinduism |
| Year 4 | Theme: Buddhas Teaching Key Question: Is it possible for everyone to be happy? Religion: Buddhism | Theme: Christmas Concept: Incarnation Key Question: What is the most important part of the nativity story for Christians today? Religion: Christianity | Theme: The 8-fold path Key Question: Can the Buddha’s teachings make the world a better place? Religion: Buddhism | Theme: Easter Concept: Salvation Key Question: Is forgiveness always possible for Christians? Religion: Christianity | Theme: The 8-fold path Key Question: What is the best way for a Buddhist to lead a good life? Religion: Buddhism | Theme: Prayer and Worship Key Question: Do people need to go to church to show they are Christians? Religion: Christianity |
| Year 5 | Theme: Belief into action Key Question: How far would a Sikh go for his/her religion? Religion: Sikhism | Theme: Christmas Concept: Incarnation Key Question: Is the Christmas story true? Religion: Christianity | Theme: Beliefs and moral values Key Question Are Sikh stories important today? Religion: Sikhism | Theme: Easter Concept: Salvation Key Question: How important is it for Christians to believe God intended Jesus to die? Religion: Christianity | Theme: Prayer and Worship Key Question: What is the best way for a Sikh to show commitment to God? Religion: Sikhism | Theme: Beliefs and Practices Key Question: What is the best way for a Christian to show commitment to God? Religion: Christianity |
| Year 6 | Theme: Beliefs and Practices Key Question: What is the best way for a Muslim to show commitment to God? Religion: Islam | Theme: Christmas Concept: Incarnation Key Question: How significant is it that Mary was Jesus’ mother? Religion: Christianity | Theme: Beliefs and meaning Concept: Salvation Key Question: Is anything ever eternal? Religion: Christianity | Theme: Easter Concept: Gospel Key Question: Is Christianity still a strong religion 2000 years after Jesus was on earth? Religion: Christianity | Theme: Beliefs and moral values Concept: Gospel Key Question: Does belief in Akhirah (life after death) help Muslims lead good lives? Religion: Islam NB: This enquiry is taught in 2 sections over the term | |
Planning
Sequence of Learning
Retrieval Practice at Handale Primary School
At Handale, we understand the importance of retrieval practice in helping children embed knowledge into their long-term memory. Throughout the school day, pupils are given regular opportunities to revisit and recall prior learning, strengthening their understanding and building confidence.
Our day begins with a Knowledge Check, where pupils engage in short, focused questions designed to activate previous learning. This not only prepares them for the day ahead but also reinforces key concepts and vocabulary.
Teachers use skilful questioning techniques to assess understanding, address misconceptions and connect new learning to what pupils already know. Retrieval practice is woven into lessons across the curriculum, helping children retain and apply knowledge over time.
This consistent approach ensures that pupils are not just learning they are remembering, applying and building upon their knowledge in meaningful ways.
