The Warwickshire and Coventry R.E. syllabus enables pupils to explore Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism, as well as Christianity. It also encourages the consideration of secular world views.

During the EYFS, Reception children will encounter Christianity and other faiths, contributing to their growing sense of self, their understanding of their own community and their place within it. Learning opportunities contribute clearly to the Early Learning Goals, especially to communication and language development; personal, social and emotional development; literacy; understanding of the world and expressive arts and design.  Teachers seek out creative and inspiring ways of making links between the Understanding Christianityconcepts, and the Agreed Syllabus units covering other faiths, to the ELG using stories, art, drama and music, both in teacher-led activities and continuous provision.  The EYFS content helps children understand the core concepts of Creation (God) Incarnation and Salvation.

During Key Stage 1, children will be introduced to all the six principal religions and will also recognise that many people hold secular (non-religious) views. At this stage of their learning, they will focus on developing their understanding of Christianity and will also study Islam and Judaism. They will focus on the principles of forgiveness and reconciliation in religious teaching.

During Key Stage 2, children will develop a deeper understanding of all the six principal religions and appreciate that many people hold secular (non-religious) views. More detailed attention will be devoted to Sikhism, Hinduism and Buddhism as well as to Islam and Christianity (as Judaism was a core focus for Year 2). All children will have the opportunity to understand the particular contribution that Coventry Cathedral makes in the promotion of Christian reconciliation and appreciate the significance of the Cross of Nails.

Understanding Christianity provides a plan for progression and a long-term plan focusing on three key elements, giving structure and consistency to lesson planning and to knowledge and across the school:

• Making sense of the biblical text
• Understanding the impact of these teachings on Christians
• Making connections between ideas and the wider world, including opportunities to examine and evaluate their own way of living.

The study of Christianity focuses on eight core concepts expressed in the Bible and lived out in the lives of Christians today: God, Creation, The Fall, People of God, Incarnation, Good News, Salvation, Kingdom of God. These core concepts reflect a view that the Bible tells a ‘big story’ of salvation.  Children revisit these concepts in different ways and in greater depth as they progress through school, supporting them in developing their understanding of the world.

The Understanding Christianity materials use a variety of strategies and activities within each element in order to engage children and develop their skills and understanding of R.E.:

The eight core concepts explored in Understanding Christianity are:

• God – the existence of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is fundamental to Christian belief.

• Creation – The universe and human life are God’s creation. Humans are made in the image of God.

• Fall – Humans have a tendency to make their own choices which challenges God’s plan, and this is known as ‘sin’. Genesis tells the story of Adam and Eve’s rebellion, popularly called ‘the Fall’. This describes the separation between God and humans, between humans and each other, and between humans and the environment. The idea that humans are ‘fallen’ and in need of rescue (or salvation) establishes the root cause of many problems for humanity.

• People of God – The Old Testament tells the story of God’s plan to reverse the impact of the Fall, to save humanity. It involves choosing a people who will model a restored relationship with God, who will attract all other people back to God. The Bible narrates the pursuit of this plan and the teachings of the prophets, ultimately leading to apparent failure as God’s people are exiled and then return to await a ‘messiah’ to save them.

• Incarnation – the New Testament presents Jesus as the Messiah and Saviour who will repair the effects of sin and the Fall and offer a way for humans to be at one with God again. Incarnation means that Jesus is God in the flesh, and that God came to live among humans as Jesus.

• Gospel – Jesus’ incarnation is ‘good news’ (‘Gospel’) for all people. His life and teaching embody how God wants us to live. He emphasises the core principle of loving one’s neighbour – particularly the weak and vulnerable – as part of a loving God.

• Salvation – Jesus’ death and resurrection save humans and opens the way back to God with the forgiveness of sin.

• Kingdom of God – This reflects God’s ideal for humans to lead their lives. Christians seek to follow Jesus’ example, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and live this life following God’s will.

The core knowledge in Understanding Christianity is revisited and developed as children progress through school (and beyond, into KS3).