Subject Leader : Pauline Thomas/Joyce Attara

As a Church of England Primary School, we are wholly committed to providing a Christian environment that offers all children the highest quality of teaching and learning opportunities.

SERVE                  FLOURISH               COMMUNITY

INTENT

Religious Education (RE) lies at the epicentre of the curriculum and has an important role in reflecting and conveying the distinctively Christian character of the school. RE underpins our school’s vision and values through interactions with children, other members of staff and visitors.

RE enables pupils to think theologically and explore the great questions of life and death, meaning and purpose; reflect critically on the truth claims of Christian belief; see how the truth of Christianity is relevant today and face the challenge of Jesus' teaching in a pluralist and post -modern society; experience the breadth and variety of the Christian community and become active citizens, serving their neighbour. In addition to exploring Christianity, our pupils are given the opportunity to study other major world religions and consider what it means to be a practising member of that faith.

IMPLEMENTATION

RE is taught weekly and the scheme of work that we follow is written by Southwark Diocesan Board of Education. The programmes of study have two Attainment Targets, (ATs). AT1 teaches the children about religious stories, customs, festivals, and events. AT2 teaches the children how RE affects their lives personally, encouraging them to think reflectively.

To develop some knowledge and understanding of other faiths in line with the SDBE Suggested Syllabus.

To develop a strong foundation of the Christian faith through knowledge and understanding

To apply an understanding of religion to develop sensitivity and respect towards all people.

To develop the ability to reflect on and communicate with others issues of truth, belief and faith

To develop a knowledge and understanding of the Christian Faith and the Anglican tradition through a study of: Creation, Prayer and Worship, the Life and Teachings of Jesus, Old Testament Characters, Living out our Faith and Christian Festivals

INTENT
To ensure consistency throughout the school, leaders ensure that:

· Staff receive regular planning support where and when needed.

· Topics are reviewed to meet the needs of pupils and reflect the diverse community.

· Half termly book looks, planning scrutiny and pupil voice takes place to ensure consistency.

· Learning walks provide opportunities for both formal and informal feedback

· Regular investment in up to date resources

Wholeheartedly, we want our children to Serve their neighbours Flourish as citizens within the wider Community, promoting tolerance and respect.

In Reception, the RE units are approached ‘holistically’ – starting with the children’s own experiences, relating ‘religious’ experience to the ‘secular’ especially in the family setting. Christianity is the high focus with other faiths explored as relevant to children in the class and the wider community.

In all Year One and Two units, Christianity is the high focus with a secondary focus on Judaism (both as essential background to Christianity and also as a religion in its own right). Aspects of these faiths and the faiths of other children in the class – will be included in all KS1 topics when relevant

In Key Stage Two, Christianity is the main faith studied alongside work on the other faiths (Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism). Christianity is the high focus but other faith perspectives are  included particularly when relevant to the children in the class and/or current affairs.