For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Hebrews 4:12

We believe that RE is a key part of realising our vision. RE gives the opportunity to learn, to reflect, to understand ourselves and others, to be challenged with the big questions of life, to become tolerant, to think critically, and to evaluate, as well as to learn about other faiths. It’s a very special subject at Whitewater.

Whitewater follows guidance from the Hampshire County advisor for religious education and the Diocese education team, as well as the guidance provided by the locally agreed syllabus, Living Difference 1V. Further, the planning and delivery of Christianity within RE lessons is complemented with resources from the Church of England’s Understanding Christianity publication, allowing for children to understand the big story of the Christian Bible and to explore life’s big questions, considering the part the children can make to our world. The teaching of RE supports SMSC, British Values and the Prevent agenda.

The RE curriculum supports the Whitewater Way and drives the growth of the Whitewater Theologian.

At Whitewater, we have designed our RE curriculum on a two-year cycle. The RE Roadmap shows the journey that our children take as they progress through school. Our RE curriculum is progressive, broad and engaging. We aim for children to acquire knowledge and gain understanding of people, cultures and religions across the world.

Understanding Christianity

This is a substantial resource to support our teaching of Christianity in RE. The key purpose of UC is to help all teachers support pupils in developing their own thinking and their understanding of Christianity, as a contribution to their understanding of the world and their own experience within it. As a church school, we aim to see pupils leave school with a coherent understanding of Christian belief and practice. The resource fully supports and dovetails in with Living Difference 1V. An outline of Understanding Christianity programme of study is shown below.