R.E. (Religious Education) Curriculum
r.e. curriculum statement of intent
Subject Leader is Mrs Cleall-Harding.
INTENT
At Cherry Willingham Primary Academy, we believe that it is important for all our pupils to learn from and about religion, so that they can understand the world around them. The aim of Religious Education in our school is to help children to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in Great Britain; to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
It plays an important role, along with other curriculum areas, particularly Relationship and Sex Education, in promoting social awareness and understanding in our children. We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. We include and promote British values, ensuring that children are aware of their rights and responsibilities as UK citizens.
Our curriculum is designed to encourage creativity, imagination, enquiry, debate, discussion and independence. We will ensure children are able to reflect on their place in the wider world using the right balance of knowledge and skills. They will:
- Have a good level of understanding and of the principles of religion.
- Be provided with a safe place to reflect and ask questions about religion Have a good understanding of beliefs, values, and ways of life.
- Have the ability to think for themselves, work with others using a range of resources and evidence, and be able to identify and talk about key principles.
- Develop empathy by considering the thoughts, feelings, experiences, attitudes, beliefs and values of others; seeing the world through the eyes of others and develop respect and sensitivity to others.
- Continue to learn to distinguish between opinion, belief and fact, regarding different religions. Reflect on diversity in terms of the changing religious landscapes of the UK so that they are prepared for life in modern Britain.
IMPLEMENTATION
We use the Lincolnshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education developed by Lincolnshire County Council as the basis for our curriculum. At Cherry Willingham Primary Academy, it has been agreed that having taken into account the requirements and guidelines presented in the Agreed Syllabus, the following religions have been selected for study in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2:
- Christianity
- Islam
- Hinduism
Other units we have chosen from the syllabus to be covered in each Key Stage are:
- KS1 – Places of worship and Thankfulness
- KS2 – What does it mean to live a good life? Pilgrimage, Expressing Belief Through Art and Do you have to believe in God to be good?
In EYFS a range of areas are covered. They explore different religions through the provision based around their topic. These areas are:
- Myself
- Special People to me
- Our Special Books
- Our Special Things
- Our Special Places
- Our Beautiful World
All religions and their communities are treated with respect and sensitivity and we value the links, which are, and can be made between home, school and a faith community. We are extremely grateful that members of the local church, including Reverend Penny Green, regularly visit our school to carry out assemblies and participate in other special religious celebrations. They also allow children to visit their church and take part in religious ceremonies at school; such as Christingle and Easter celebrations. We acknowledge that each religion studied can contribute to the education of our pupils. While teaching Religious Education we promote open enquiry and first hand experiences wherever possible for both staff and children.
IMPACT
The children at Cherry Willingham Primary Academy enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose, or choose not to follow a religion. Through their R.E. learning, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world, developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life. As such, Religious Education is invaluable in an ever changing world.
RE is taught for 1 hour per week.