Religious Education

RE at Great Wishford C of E Primary School
 
 
No challenge too big, no child too small- for with God nothing will be impossible (Luke 1:37)
 
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Intent

Strong links are made with our school Vision and Ethos of No Challenge too big, no child too small- for with God, nothing will be imposible (Luke 1:37) alongside the 6 values that are the foundation of our Core Christian Values in school. These are Creativity, Friendship and Love, Truthfulness, Service, Perseverance and Respect.

 

At Great Wishford Church of England Primary School, the aim of Religious Education is to help children to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in Great Britain. We aim to understand the way that religious beliefs shape our lives and our behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance our spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

 

It is our intent for the Religious Education curriculum to be equally ambitious for every child in order to engage, inspire, challenge and encourage pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to answer challenging questions, explore different religious beliefs, values and traditions and develop understanding of the numerous religious traditions, beliefs and practices that are followed in our multi- cultural society.

 

At Great Wishford C of E Primary School, Religious Education is taught throughout the school in such a way as to reflect the overall aims, values, and philosophy of the school. As a Church of England school, Religious Education plays an important role, along with other curriculum areas, particularly PSHE and the teaching of British Values, in promoting the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of our children. It promotes respect and open-mindedness towards others with different faiths and beliefs and encourages pupils to develop their sense of identity and belonging through self- awareness and reflection.

 

The key aims for religious education are reflected in the two attainment targets.

 

Attainment Target 1- Learning about region and belief

Attainment target 2- Learning from religion and belief.

 

The development of knowledge, skills and understanding focuses on these two key aspects of learning in Religious Education.

 
Implementation
Our Religious Education curriculum is taught using the Understanding Christianity and Discovery RE Agreed Syllabus. The principal aim of RE is to engage pupils in systematic enquiry into significant human questions which religion and worldviews address, so that they can develop the understanding and skills needed to appreciate and appraise varied responses to these questions, as well as develop responses of their own.
 
At Great Wishford Primary School we encourage the children to acquire reasoned and positive attitudes and beliefs which include a respect for and understanding of other peoples’ spiritual, religious, moral and cultural ways of life.

We help the children to appreciate the world in which they live and the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations. We draw upon their beliefs, cultures and backgrounds to achieve these outcomes.

The curriculum for RE aims to ensure that all pupils:

1. Know about and understand a range of religions and worldviews, so that they can:

  • describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices, recognising the diversity which exists within and between communities and amongst individuals
  • identify, investigate and respond to questions posed, and responses offered by some of the sources of wisdom found in religions and worldviews
  • appreciate and appraise the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning.

2. Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and worldviews, so that they can:

  • explain reasonably their ideas about how beliefs, practices and forms of expression influence individuals and communities
  • express with increasing discernment their personal reflections and critical responses to questions and teachings about identity, diversity, meaning and value, including ethical issues
  • appreciate and appraise varied dimensions of religion.

3. Gain and deploy the skills needed to engage seriously with religions and worldviews, so that they can:

  • find out about and investigate key concepts and questions of belonging, meaning, purpose and truth, responding creatively
  • enquire into what enables different individuals and communities to live together respectfully for the wellbeing of all
  • articulate beliefs, values and commitments clearly in order to explain why they may be important in their own and other people’s lives.
 
Impact
Through their R.E. learning children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in local, national and global communities.  Our children feel safe to learn new things, ask questions and share their beliefs with others in an accepting environment.  They develop a strong awareness of the world around them and are respectful of the beliefs of others, understanding that different communities and different beliefs are all valued and celebrated.  Children leave Great Wishford with the confidence and skills to ask questions, make decisions, make connections and become valuable members of future communities.