Aim of the Subject
The aim of Religious Education is to contribute to the school curriculum by developing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity and five other world religions. The curriculum increases pupils’ awareness and understanding of the influence and importance of religious beliefs and traditions to individuals, communities, cultures and societies both in Britain and world-wide.
Content
The syllabus sits within the non-statutory framework for RE developed by QCA in partnership with DfES. Pupils will be taught about Christianity and five other principle religions: Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. Opportunities are provided for each year group to meet members of different faith communities e.g. a Rabbi and visit places of worship.
Methods of Assessment
It is a major concern of RE to help pupils to develop their own beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviour. It is not appropriate at this stage to make these matters for specific assessment and recording. However, opportunities for assessment activities are differentiated by task and outcome, as deemed appropriate by the teacher. Religious Education should be open to pupils of any religious persuasion or none.
Teaching Time
The teaching of RE sits within the PSE / RE timetable framework which allows greater flexibility outside of its one period a week. Alongside this the school encourages opportunities for visits and talks from visiting faith interpreters.
An Emphasis on Boys Learning
Boys will be taught in teaching styles and approaches that are appropriate to boys learning. Lessons will be more interactive and interpersonal in content. Religious education can make an important contribution to the spiritual development of pupils. In RE pupils are enabled to explore systems of religious belief in the light of human experience. They learn how faith in, and love of God, and a range of religious beliefs, practices and values are expressed by others.
Continuity
As pupils progress from year to year they will develop a deeper understanding of the truths of different faiths. They will learn about founders of the faiths, holy books, places of worship, family life and celebrations, festivals and celebrations of faiths and beliefs through faith teachings.
Themes of assemblies are predominantly taken from the traditions of Christian faith and often reflect the festivals and events of the Christian calendar. The school also highlights the main festivals of the other principle religions. Acts of collective worship are held within the school and these form part of each assembly. They may include music, song, stories, shared experiences, readings from sacred writings, prayer and reflection.
Planning for the Subject
Planning for the subject is set within the QCA framework. Years 3, 4 & 5 learn about Christianity and five other principle religions: Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism on a cyclical basis. Each year builds upon the knowledge of previous years.
Cross Curricular Links
Further opportunities for pupils to experience to awe and wonder are also provided in other curriculum areas such as English, Art, Science, PSE and Music.