Purpose and Aims of the Subject
At Adderley Primary School, Religious, Moral and Spiritual Education (RMSE) provides pupils with a deep understanding of religious and non‑religious worldviews, preparing them for life in modern Britain. Our bespoke curriculum meets the expectations of the Birmingham Agreed Syllabus and draws on the National Content Standard to ensure a rich, balanced and inclusive learning experience.
RMSE plays a central role in pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. It promotes respect, open‑mindedness and curiosity about the beliefs of others, while encouraging pupils to reflect on their own identity, values and sense of belonging. Through an enquiry‑based approach, pupils explore how beliefs are expressed, how cultural practices shape communities and how religions influence life locally, nationally and globally.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, RMSE is introduced through the Understanding the World area of learning. Children develop awareness of different cultures and beliefs through imaginative play, stories, artefacts, role play and celebrations. Pupils begin to identify similarities and differences between religious and cultural communities, exploring questions such as “What makes people special?” and “What can we learn from stories?” This early exposure lays the foundations for deeper learning as they progress through school.
How RMSE Is Taught in Practice
RMSE is delivered through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds knowledge progressively. Our bespoke curriculum incorporates features of the Discovery RE scheme, an enquiry‑based model aligned with the Birmingham Agreed Syllabus and the 24 Dispositions. Each unit centres on a key question that requires pupils to weigh up evidence, apply subject knowledge and reach a reasoned conclusion.
This approach develops critical thinking, personal reflection, subject knowledge and spiritual growth, while also strengthening pupils’ speaking and listening (oracy) skills.
Learning is enriched through a wide range of experiences, including visits to places of worship, guest speakers and whole‑school events such as multi‑faith days, celebrations and performances. Technology, including VR and green‑screen media, enhances learning by enabling pupils to explore places of worship virtually. A broad range of teaching strategies and resources—including artefacts, drama, discussion and analysis of religious texts—supports pupils in exploring beliefs creatively and critically.
Across their primary journey, pupils study a range of religious and non‑religious worldviews, including:
- Christianity
- Islam
- Judaism
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Sikhism
- Humanism
- Secularism
Curriculum Outcomes and Assessment
Our RMSE curriculum is designed to ensure progress for all pupils through an Ambitious Curriculum for All. Progress is monitored through half‑termly formative and summative assessments. By the end of Year 6, pupils are expected to meet age‑related expectations and demonstrate enthusiasm for RMSE.
Through their learning, pupils make meaningful links between their own lives and those of others in their community and the wider world. This fosters empathy, cultural awareness and a deeper understanding of the diverse society in which they live. RMSE equips pupils with the knowledge, respect and reflective skills needed to thrive in an ever‑changing world.
The outcomes of our RMSE curriculum are to:
- Engage pupils in enquiry and exploration of questions arising from the study of religion and belief, promoting SMSC development.
- Provide knowledge and understanding of a range of religious and non‑religious traditions represented in Great Britain.
- Develop understanding of how beliefs influence behaviour, practices and outlook.
- Enable pupils to apply insights from religious and non‑religious traditions to their own search for identity and significance.
- Ensure pupils are safe from extreme or radical views, in line with the Prevent Strategy.
- Ensure EYFS pupils meet the Understanding the World: People and Communities expectations by the end of Reception.
- Foster positive attitudes towards people with different beliefs, enabling pupils to leave Adderley Primary with deep respect for others and the skills needed to live harmoniously in modern, democratic Britain.
Parental Right to Withdraw
Parents have the right to withdraw their child from religious education and the daily act of collective worship, as set out in the DfE Non‑Statutory Guidance. However, these activities contribute to wider cross‑curricular objectives delivered throughout the school week.
Parents are informed of this right through the school website and prospectus. They are also provided with half‑termly curriculum overviews outlining RMSE objectives and content, enabling an informed decision to be made.