At St Martin’s, we believe that Religious Education (RE) plays a vital role in helping children understand the diverse world in which they live. Our RE curriculum is designed to promote curiosity, respect, and thoughtful reflection, enabling pupils to explore different religious and non-religious worldviews and to develop their own sense of identity and belonging.

We follow the Devon and Torbay Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education, which provides a clear, progressive framework from Early Years to Year 6. This syllabus ensures that children encounter a wide range of beliefs, teachings, and practices, with a strong focus on Christianity alongside meaningful learning about other principal religions and worldviews. Through an enquiry-based approach, pupils develop skills in questioning, interpreting, evaluating and communicating their ideas.

Lessons are designed to be engaging, reflective and inclusive, giving children opportunities to explore big questions about life, beliefs, values, and what it means to live well together. Through stories, discussion, artefacts, visitors, class-based enquiries and creative activities, pupils deepen their understanding of religion and worldviews as they develop respect and empathy for others.

A key strength of RE at St Martin’s is our commitment to broad, balanced and thoughtful exploration. Children are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs while learning to appreciate different perspectives. RE supports pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and contributes to our wider school values by fostering open-mindedness, critical thinking and community.

In line with legislation, parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education. We are always happy to discuss the curriculum with families and to work in partnership to ensure that our provision is understood and valued.

By the time they leave St Martin’s, our learners will have developed a secure understanding of a variety of religious and non-religious worldviews, the ability to reflect on challenging questions, and the confidence to engage respectfully with the world around them.

Spirituality at St Martin’s

At St Martin’s, we nurture spirituality as an essential part of every child’s development. We believe that spirituality is about more than religious belief—it is about exploring meaning, purpose, belonging and the things that help us to flourish as human beings. Through our relational approach, we encourage pupils to reflect on how experiences help them connect with themselves, others, the world, and God/the beyond.

Our approach to spirituality is woven throughout school life. In lessons, daily act of worship and everyday interactions, children are supported to pause, wonder and respond. We value stillness, curiosity and open-hearted exploration, helping pupils recognise moments that lift their thinking beyond the ordinary.

St Martin's 'Rings of Spirituality' Model

Connecting with Ourselves

Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their own thoughts, feelings, identity and values. We help children develop self-awareness, resilience and a sense of inner strength. Opportunities for quiet reflection, mindfulness practices and guided discussions allow pupils to explore who they are becoming.

Connecting with Others

Relationships sit at the heart of our school. We promote empathy, kindness and respect, helping children consider the feelings and experiences of those around them. Through collaborative work, restorative conversations, class assemblies and shared celebrations, pupils learn that their actions can positively impact others.

Connecting with the World

We inspire children to appreciate the beauty, complexity and responsibility of living in our world. They learn to see themselves as active contributors to their community and the wider world.

Connecting with God/The Beyond

Children are invited to explore big questions about life, purpose and belief, in ways that respect differing views and experiences. For some, this means thinking about God; for others, it involves engaging with concepts of mystery, meaning or something greater than ourselves. We create space for wonder, for questioning and for thoughtful exploration of the spiritual dimension of life.

Our Vision for Spiritual Growth

By nurturing spirituality throughout the school day and across the curriculum, we help pupils grow in confidence, compassion and curiosity. Our aim is that every child at St Martin’s develops a sense of meaning and purpose, learns to appreciate moments of wonder, and recognises their unique place within our community and the wider world.