Religious Education
Intent
At Oake, Bradford and Nynehead CE (VC) Primary School, Religious Education plays an important part in helping every child to “Let their light shine.”
Our RE curriculum aims to develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, alongside a range of other religions and worldviews. We want children to be curious, ask thoughtful questions and develop an understanding of how faith and belief can influence the way people live their lives.
As a Church of England school, Christianity is at the heart of our school community. Through RE, children develop their understanding of Christian beliefs, teachings and practices, while also learning about and respecting the beliefs and traditions of others.
We aim for pupils to develop the knowledge, vocabulary and confidence to discuss religious and non-religious worldviews, make connections between beliefs and practices and reflect on their own ideas and experiences.
As citizens of the world…
We want our children to understand that there is a great big world beyond their own experiences and that it is made up of people with many different beliefs, cultures and traditions.
Through RE, children will develop the skills to:
understand that we are all part of a diverse world;
recognise that all people deserve understanding, dignity, respect and friendship, regardless of religion, belief or culture;
be curious about the beliefs, traditions and experiences of others;
listen to and consider different viewpoints respectfully;
recognise what we have in common as well as what makes people and communities unique;
develop a sense of responsibility for others and for the world around them;
become increasingly environmentally conscious, including considering ideas of stewardship and caring for creation.
Our RE curriculum supports our Christian vision and values and helps children develop respect, empathy and understanding so that they are well prepared for life in modern Britain and the wider world.
Implementation
Religious Education is taught regularly across the school through a carefully sequenced curriculum which enables children to build on their knowledge and understanding as they progress from EYFS to Year 6.
Learning is organised around key questions which encourage children to explore religious beliefs, sacred texts, practices, celebrations and ways of living. Children are given opportunities to revisit important concepts, build on previous learning and make connections between different beliefs and ideas.
Teachers use a range of approaches including discussion, stories, artefacts, images, drama, creative activities and opportunities for reflection. Children are encouraged to ask questions, explain their thinking, listen to others and use appropriate religious vocabulary.
As a Church of England school, pupils study Christianity in depth whilst also learning about other religions and worldviews. This helps children understand both the diversity of belief in the wider world and the values and experiences people may share.
Where appropriate, learning is enriched through visitors, visits and links with our local church, St Bartholomew, and wider community. These experiences help children see that religion and belief are lived experiences and not simply something studied in the classroom.
Teachers adapt learning so that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access and engage with RE while maintaining high expectations for everyone.
Assessment is used throughout each unit to identify what children know, remember and understand and to inform future teaching.
Impact
By the time children leave Oake, Bradford and Nynehead CE (VC) Primary School, we want them to have developed a secure knowledge and understanding of Christianity and an informed understanding of a range of religions and worldviews.
Children will be able to talk confidently about their learning, use appropriate religious vocabulary and make meaningful connections between beliefs, teachings and the ways in which people live.
They will be able to ask increasingly thoughtful questions, consider different viewpoints and explain their own ideas while listening respectfully to the views of others.
Pupils will understand that people may hold different beliefs and worldviews and will demonstrate curiosity, respect, empathy and understanding.
They will recognise themselves as citizens of a diverse world, understand the importance of treating others with dignity and friendship and develop an increasing awareness of their responsibility towards other people, their communities and the environment.
Through RE, children will develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, contributing to our aim that every child grows in confidence, understands the world around them and is able to “Let their light shine.”
At Oake ,Bradford and Nynehead we follow the AMV two year rolling programme.