Children enjoy an RE curriculum which ensures they develop an understanding of the principal religions (beliefs, cultures and rituals) of families in their community, the local area, the UK and around the world. Through education, we seek to reduce misunderstandings, eliminate discrimination and racism including the development of community cohesion by promoting mutual respect. We also explore children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through a clear model which includes personal reflection and developing thinking skills via an enquiry model. The fundamentals of our curriculum is underpinned by the Locally Agreed Syllabus and also through close support from the resource available with membership of the NATRE (National Association of Teachers of Religious Education).
We are proud to teach RE as specific and dedicated days – one per half term – which enable all members of the school community to study an aspect of a specific religion in depth as a collective school family. We have developed a unique four-part day which takes the children through a journey of knowledge, enquiry, expression of personal beliefs and reflection:
- Engagement Elena Elephant
- Investigation Imran Indra (enquiry)
- Expression Emilia Eagle
- Reflection Rupert Rabbit
This is embedded via an initial collective whole school assembly to introduce the principal religion followed by year group specific teachings. This is then finalised with a celebration assembly where children can share the knowledge, enquiry and reflections from the day – alongside their outcomes. Children have the opportunity to share their values, beliefs and cultures on these days and lead discussions with their peers. Over time, pupils develop a deep understanding of each religion through their studies. KS2 children engage in a further day of Religious Education through a visit to different places of worship – this consists of one additional day per year. We ensure the delivery of the subject is delivered in creative ways and ensure that the children feel a part of a community.
On each allotted day, the children meet each ‘animal’ throughout the day to embed key knowledge about the religion followed by an enquiry which encompasses artefacts and first-hand experiences such as cooking, visitors, debate, the arts and exploration with music and drama. This enquiry-led model then builds on the children’s understanding to begin a more focussed sense of expressing their viewpoints, relating different beliefs and values to their own and exploring ways to build a deeper sense of spirituality. Children have planned opportunities to share their home-beliefs – bringing in artefacts, showing prayer alongside other opportunities for peers to respectfully ask and answer questions. They develop a real sense of belonging with society, understanding right and wrong through debate, questioning and their developing ability to express their opinions respectfully. At the end of the day the children formulate their own reflective thoughts – which are respected and appreciated by all.
In addition to RE days, pupils study Christianity and pupils have the opportunity to visit the church, to enjoy assemblies led by key members of the Christian faith and participate in school events which celebrate Harvest, Christmas and Easter.