RE in Action

 

At Grimsargh St Michael’s, RE inspires pupils to ask big questions, explore faith through experience and develop understanding, respect and curiosity about the diverse world in which we live.

Guided by our vision of ‘inspiring, achieving and believing in a loving Christian’ community, pupils learn both about and from Christianity, other faiths and worldviews through our Questful RE curriculum.

Through enquiry, discussion, Serious Lego Play, visits and authentic experiences inside and outside the classroom, pupils develop religious literacy, theological understanding and respect for people of all faiths and beliefs.

Bringing Learning to Life

Across school, pupils use Serious Lego Play, Faith Persona Dolls, visits and enquiry-based learning to explore faith, belief and big questions. These approaches encourage curiosity, reflection and respectful dialogue.

Early Years Foundation Stage

Reception pupils use Serious Lego Play to explore stories including Noah’s Ark, Daniel and the Lions’ Den and Joseph’s Coat, helping them develop an understanding of courage, kindness, trust and belonging.

Key Stage 1

Year 1 explored the Jewish festival of Sukkot, building a sukkah in the school grounds, and learnt about Baptism through discussion, role play and learning with Reverend Andy.

Year 2 used Serious Lego Play to explore Blind Bartimaeus and investigated the meaning of the cross, reflecting on compassion, inclusion, forgiveness and hope.

Lower Key Stage 2

Year 3 developed their understanding through enquiry, reflection and Serious Lego Play, exploring how beliefs influence people’s lives and communities.

Year 4 investigated the Questful RE question, “Are all churches the same?” and visited St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church to compare Christian traditions, worship and symbolism.

Upper Key Stage 2

Year 5 explored challenging questions about faith and belief through Questful RE enquiries, developing confidence in discussing different viewpoints.

Year 6 engaged with theological questions about belief, identity, community and purpose, learning to consider and respect different perspectives.

Learning Through Partnerships

Our RE curriculum is enriched through strong partnerships with:

  • Parents and families
  • St Michael’s Church
  • St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church
  • Blackburn Diocese
  • Local faith communities

These partnerships provide authentic experiences that help pupils understand how faith is lived out in everyday life.

 

Through RE, pupils:

  • Develop a deep understanding of Christianity as a living faith.
  • Build knowledge of other faiths and worldviews.
  • Ask thoughtful questions and explore different perspectives.
  • Develop religious literacy and theological understanding.
  • Make connections between belief and everyday life.
  • Grow in empathy, curiosity and respect for others.
  • Flourish as reflective, informed and compassionate learners.

 

“Learning about Baptism helped me understand why belonging is important to Christians.”

Year 1 Pupil

“Using Lego helped me understand the story and think about what it means today.”

Year 2 Pupil

“Visiting the Catholic church helped me see that Christians worship in different ways.”

Year 4 Pupil

“RE helps me think about big questions and respect other people’s views.” 

Year 6 Pupil

 

These examples provide a snapshot of RE at St Michael’s. Through enquiry, reflection and authentic experiences, pupils develop the knowledge, wisdom and understanding needed to flourish in a diverse and changing world whilst remaining rooted in our Christian vision of inspiring, achieving and believing in a loving Christian community.

 

 

 

Faith in Action

Faith is not only something we learn about, but something we live out every day through our relationships, service and actions.

Guided by our vision of inspiring, achieving and believing in a loving Christian community, pupils are encouraged to put their learning into action. Through service, leadership, stewardship and community engagement, children develop empathy, responsibility and respect whilst helping others to flourish.

The examples below provide a snapshot of how pupils live out our Christian vision through the wider life of the school and community.

Building Community

Reading Café

Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils welcomed families and members of the wider community to our Reading Café, sharing stories and fostering a love of reading.

Drawing on their learning about community and belonging, pupils created opportunities for others to connect, learn and flourish together.

Grimsargh Garden Party

Each class performed at the Parish Garden Party, sharing their talents and giving back to our church community.

Through this experience, pupils reflected on gratitude, service and fellowship whilst celebrating the strong partnership between school, church and community.

Grimsargh Field Day

Parents, pupils and staff came together for Grimsargh Field Day in a celebration of community spirit and shared belonging.

Thanks to the dedication of our wonderful PTFA and wider school community, the school float was awarded the prestigious Jane Woollam Trophy, reflecting the strong relationships that help our school flourish.

Showing Welcome and Hospitality

Letting Our Light Shine at Christmas

Pupils designed Christmas cards for parishioners and welcomed members of the community to school performances.

Inspired by the Christian values of kindness and hospitality, children strengthened relationships between school, church and community through acts of welcome and service.

Welcoming New Neighbours

As part of our partnership with Eric Wright Construction, every pupil designed a welcome card for new residents moving into the village.

Through exploring themes of belonging and inclusion, pupils reflected on how they could help others feel welcomed, valued and connected within our community.

Caring for God’s World

Environmental Stewardship

Reception and Year 5 pupils worked alongside the Village Green Team to build bug hotels and support local biodiversity.

Through learning about creation and stewardship, children reflected on their responsibility to care for God’s world and contribute to the flourishing of all living things.

Learning to Lead

Equity, Diversity and Justice

Two Year 6 pupils represented our school at the Blackburn Diocese Equity, Diversity and Justice Conference.

Through workshops and discussion, they explored themes of equity, diversity and justice, developing their understanding of how they can inspire positive change within school and beyond.

 

Pupil Voice

 

“RE helps us understand how Jesus treated people and how we can do the same today.” 

Year 5 Pupil

“We learn about kindness in RE and then we put it into action.”

Year 2 Pupil

 

Through Faith in Action opportunities, pupils:

  • Develop empathy, compassion and respect for others.
  • Understand that everyone is valued and deserving of dignity.
  • Build strong relationships within school, church and the wider community.
  • Develop leadership skills and confidence.
  • Recognise their responsibility to care for God’s world.
  • Learn how small actions can make a significant difference.
  • Live out our Christian values through service, hospitality and stewardship.
  • Flourish as active, responsible and compassionate citizens.