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.
Curriculum
Our long term plan can be accessed below. This plan identifies the key religious covered and the key questions asked.
