RE
Intent
"RE support the development of children who are reflective, respectful, understanding and critical thinkers who are open to the views of wider society."
At Bishop Aldhelm’s we want our children to show awareness and understanding of the world around them. Our RE curriculum is built upon our school vision influenced by Psalm 23 ‘The Lord is our shepherd; we have everything we need’. Children are asked a big question each half term that encourages critical thinking skills, open-mindedness and prepares them to make their own decisions in the future about what religion means to them. Our curriculum is shaped around the Discovery RE and Understanding Christianity schemes of work. The curriculum ensures the children develop a deep knowledge and understanding of a variety of worldviews while appreciating the similarities and differences these have and showing understanding of the views of others.
Implementation
Our RE lessons are based on a big question each half term, we make connections and collect clues to help us to answer the big question. Our work is concept driven and we often focus on key words to develop religious literacy and equip us with the skills we need to discuss religion. We use individual workbooks to record our work as well as class portfolios where we display creative samples of RE activities such debating, drama and group work. Most Religious Education is taught discretely as a block week each half term but where suitable it is linked with other subject work.
We currently learn about Christianity, Judaism and Islam in Key Stage One and Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam and Judaism in Key Stage Two. Furthermore, we have introduced Humanism as a non-religious world view with sessions in Year 4 and 6. We may also consider different religions alongside global learning and interfaith projects. We have regular visits and visitors as part of our RE curriculum and have outdoor learning opportunities on our school grounds. RE lessons often include Philosophy for Children, circle time, critical thinking, learning from believers (email interviews, visitors, film clips) and opportunities to unpack concepts through drama, art and ICT. Our RE helps us to learn about diversity in the UK and around the world.
Impact
Through our sessions, children should be able to access their key words to help them to discuss, recall knowledge and understand religion in society. Specific skills for Religious Education will have been developed including:
EYFS/KS1
- retelling religious stories
- recognising symbols
- sharing my opinions
- asking questions
- responding positively to differences and similarities
KS2
- making connections between words of wisdom
- can reflect on their own values and those of a believer
- can understand different ways of life and ways to express meaning
- can ask and have the skills to answer, ultimate and ethical questions from their viewpoint and that of a believer
- discuss issues and support the development of community cohesion whilst challenging prejudice
Our ongoing skills development includes Critical Thinking, Religious Tolerance, Investigation, Interpretation, Reflection, Evaluation, Analysis, Synthesis, Application, Expression, Self-Understanding, Communication, Problem Solving.