The New Curriculum 

At IJS, we are using the new Leicester City Council Religious Education Syllabus. This syllabus helps children learn about both religious and non-religious beliefs, exploring what makes them similar and what makes them different. It is based on a worldviews approach, which means children learn about what people believe and also how those beliefs shape their lives and experiences.

Throughout their time at school, children regularly focus on four key concepts:

• Belonging, Identity and Community – Who am I and where do I fit in?

• Beliefs, Influences and Values – What do I believe and why?

• Expression, Experience and the Sacred – How do people show what matters to them?

• Truth, Interpretation and Meaning – How do people make sense of the world?

​

Every lesson also includes a key question which encourages children to think deeply and explore ideas through simple theological, philosophical or sociological thinking. Lessons help children understand not only what people believe, but why they believe it and how it affects their lives.

​

Diversity of Leicester

Children in Leicester are fortunate to grow up in one of the most religiously diverse cities in the UK, with many cultures and beliefs represented in everyday life. Our location near Narborough Road highlights just how communities with different worldviews can live side by side. 

​

However, we know that many children have limited experiences outside their own home or background. That’s why our Religion and Worldviews curriculum helps children explore a wide range of beliefs and traditions. We want them to grow up confident in their own beliefs, but also being respectful, kind and understanding towards others.

​

Children also learn that religion is just one of many things that shape how people see the world - family, culture, experiences and personal values are also important parts of a worldview.
 

Our Focus

At IJS, we focus mainly on Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam and Humanism, a non-religious worldview.

​

• Islam is the second largest religion in Leicester and plays a significant role in our school community.

• Hinduism and Sikhism are also well represented across the city, and many of our pupils bring these beliefs into school.

• We explore elements of other religions such as Judaism and Buddhism where relevant.

• We are seeing a growing number of children with no religious beliefs or who are not yet sure what they believe. This makes understanding, respect and tolerance for all worldviews more important than ever, as well as giving space to talk about people who are still deciding their own beliefs.

​

This approach helps children see that beliefs are diverse, personal and meaningful.
​

What RE Looks Like at IJS

Children enjoy discovering how people think differently from them. They like exploring religious artefacts, books and clothing, and comparing similarities and differences between themselves, their friends, the wider community and the world.

Lessons are practical, discussion-based and accessible for all pupils, including those with SEND. Children learn through talk, exploration, stories, pictures and real objects rather than lots of written work. Key vocabulary is taught and revisited regularly.

We take children to different places of worship, helping them see religion as a lived experience. These visits bring learning to life and help children remember key ideas. We also have many whole school events related to RE, including year group performances, Christmas carol singing at the church, an RE Roadshow and our end-of-year Holi dance festival!

​

Pupil Voice

Children at IJS love RE. Here are some of their thoughts: 

​

“I enjoy learning about RE because we get to look at different artefacts and dress up in some different clothes!”

“My favourite RE trip was to the Mandir because I have never been inside such a beautiful building.”
 

“I just like leaning about different religions.”

“I loved the Holi festival where we learnt some Hindu dances and threw coloured paint powder. It was the best day ever!”

“I like that my friends can learn a bit more about my beliefs; like why I wear a hijab.”