Religious Education at Brookfield

Subject Leader: Miss C Hodgson

A warm welcome to you all!

My name is Miss Hodgson and I am the RE Lead at Brookfield Community Primary School.

Within our local area, we have a diverse society. Brookfield Community Primary School embraces this within its approach to Religious Education.  Our approach to fostering an understanding of different backgrounds, cultures, and faiths aligns with the values of a community-focused primary school. Celebrating these differences, while also recognising shared values and interests, creates a strong foundation for building empathy, respect, and inclusiveness among students.

By exploring similarities and differences, students not only gain a richer understanding of the world but also develop key skills in communication and critical thinking. Introducing children to a variety of beliefs and practices encourages openness and understanding, helping to break down stereotypes and build a sense of unity despite differences. This understanding can be profoundly impactful, helping young learners grow into compassionate and informed members of society.

At Brookfield, we strive for our children to see their school as a place where everyone is valued and understood, creating a positive learning environment that truly lives up to the word “community.”

I believe that religious education is a vital part of every child’s learning experience, contributing significantly to their overall development. RE provides children with moral, social, cultural, and spiritual insights that help them grow into compassionate and engaged members of the community. It’s crucial for children to have a space to explore challenging questions, learn to discern right from wrong, and develop empathy and respect—qualities that are essential in our diverse society. At its best, RE is both intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding, encouraging young people to form their own beliefs and values while fostering an appreciation for others’ perspectives.

In Religious Education at Brookfield, we aim to prepare our students for the responsibilities, experiences, and opportunities they will encounter in life. We want our pupils to gain knowledge of world religions and a deeper understanding of the values, traditions, and beliefs held by individuals, societies, and cultures beyond their own. At Brookfield, we are committed to nurturing each child’s respect for others, promoting tolerance and equality, and giving them space for inquiry and personal reflection. Through a rich curriculum, we encourage children to engage with RE through creative and critical thinking, drama, discussion, and debate. This approach not only builds their language and communication skills but also expands their vocabulary and expressive abilities.

By connecting their learning to their own experiences, providing enriching new opportunities, bringing in visitors, organising trips, and fostering partnerships within the local community, we are working to prepare our students for active and informed citizenship in today’s diverse world. I hope that the values and beliefs that children form with us at Brookfield will reflect in their behaviour and communication with others.