Religious Education

Intent

It is our intent for the Religious Education elements of our school curriculum to engage, inspire and encourage pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to answer challenging questions, explore different religious beliefs, values and traditions and develop a more rigorous understanding of the numerous religious traditions, beliefs and practices that are followed in our multi-cultural society. We want them to know how religious education promotes discernment and enables pupils to combat prejudice, preparing them for adult life, employment and life-long learning.

Implementation

Our RE curriculum is designed to meet the content requirements of the Cheshire West and Chester agreed syllabus. There is a set amount of time specified in the agreed syllabus for each religion.

Our RE lessons are based on a big question each half term., we make connections and collect clues to help us to answer the big question. Our work is concept driven and we often focus on key words to develop religious literacy and equip us with the skills we need to discuss religion.

We currently learn about Christianity, Islam and Judaism in Key Stage One, and Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam and Judaism in Key Stage Two.

The children are also introduced to Humanism as a non-religious world view with sessions in both key stages. We may also consider different religions alongside global learning and interfaith projects. We aim to have visits and visitors as part of our RE curriculum and have outdoor learning opportunities on our school grounds.

RE lessons include circle time, critical thinking, learning from believers and opportunities to unpack concepts through drama, art and ICT. Our RE helps us to learn about diversity in the UK and around the world.

Impact

Through our sessions, children should be able to access their key words to help them to discuss, recall knowledge and understand religion in society. Specific skills for Religious Education will have been developed including;

KS1

retelling religious stories
recognising symbols
sharing my opinions
asking questions
responding positively to differences and similarities

KS2

making connections between words of wisdom
can reflect on their own values and those of a believer
can understand different ways of life and ways to express meaning
can ask and have the skills to answer, ultimate and ethical questions from their viewpoint and that of a believer
discuss issues and support the development of community cohesion whilst challenging prejudice

Our ongoing skills development include Critical Thinking, Religious Tolerance, Investigation, Interpretation, Reflection, Evaluation, Analysis, Synthesis, Application, Expression, Self Understanding, Communication, Problem Solving.

Our developing attitudes in religion and world views include Self Esteem, Curiosity, Fairness, Respect, Empathy, Wonder, Open-mindedness, Working with others, Sense of Community.

Our Religious Education curriculum.

The documents below outline our Religious Education curriculum.
Religious education is not a statutory part of the national curriculum but state funded, local authority schools must provide a basic curriculum. At Christleton Primary School we delivery the Cheshire Agreed Religious Education syllabus.

Religious Education Curriculum

This document outlines how we have planned to deliver the National Curriculum in Religious Education across Years 1- 6.

Religious Education and EYFS

The EYFS framework is structured very differently to the national curriculum as it is organised across seven areas of learning rather than subject areas.
Whilst we prefer not to refer to Religious Education as a discrete subject on the Early Years and Foundation Stage curriculum, it can be found within various areas of learning.

For example, relevant statements can be found in the following areas:
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Understanding the World

This development of knowledge and understanding does not happen in isolation without simultaneously and symbiotically developing other areas of learning.
Our EYFS curriculum document provides the overview of how we deliver the EYFS framework in school and prepare our children for the National Curriculum covered from Year 1 upwards.

National Curriculum Mapping

Our National Curriculum coverage mapping document highlights where the Religious Education National Curriculum objectives are delivered in school.