Our School Offer for Religious Education
The National Curriculum states the legal requirement that: ‘Every state-funded school must offer a curriculum which is balanced and broadly based, and which: i)promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils; and ii)prepares pupils at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. All state schools … must teach religious education … All schools must publish their curriculum by subject and academic year online’.
(National Curriculum in England: Framework Document, DfE, September 2013, p.4)
What do we mean by RE?
‘All children need to acquire core knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of the religions and worldviews which not only shape their history and culture but which guide their own development. The modern world needs young people who are sufficiently confident in their own beliefs and values that they can respect the religious and cultural differences of others, and contribute to a cohesive and compassionate society.’
In Key Stage 2, we aim for all pupils to become successful learners, confident individuals and positive contributors. Whilst developing the skills of enquiry, reasoned argument and reflection within the children’s own culture and beliefs, it is ever more important for children to gain appreciation and tolerance of differing beliefs, cultures and traditions; developing tolerance and understanding of every person within our world.
Parents/Carers have the right to request that their child is excused from all or part of the RE provided; however, we are asked to remind all parents that RE is taught in an objective way that is relevant to all pupils and respects their own personal beliefs.
How do we teach RE?
We teach aspects of each religion twice across the key stage; this allows children to revisit and extend their knowledge and understanding of religions and beliefs
How do we inspire a love of RE?
We believe that the classroom is a place of security within which difficult and risky questions can be tackled in a safe and secure context. Teaching will equip pupils with knowledge and understanding of these chosen religions and worldviews, enabling them to develop their ideas, values and identities.
How do we help children who find Religious Education difficult?
At the beginning of every new unit, we recap prior learning to gauge understanding of a particular religion or concept. Teachers will then fill in any gaps of their learning throughout. During lessons, children receive support through:
How do we assess Religious Education?
Using the AMV guidance for RE, we assess children’s knowledge and skills throughout each lesson; we use key assessment opportunities that the school has identified. We choose to offer verbal feedback throughout lessons to express to the children where their strengths are in RE and what ate the next steps in their development.
How can Parents/Carers help?
Many Parents/Carers encourage meaningful conversations at home about different beliefs and cultures and enrich their children’s lives through exploring places of worship, and events from different cultures. This is key to all children understanding their ‘Cultural Capital’ (this is the essential knowledge that pupils need to be educated citizens, introducing them to the best that has been thought and said and helping engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement’.)
