Religious Education

How do we teach Religious Education? 

Intent: 

At Model Village Primary School our principal aim of RE is to engage pupils in systematic enquiry into significant human questions which religions and worldviews address, so that children can develop the understanding and skills needed to appreciate and appraise varied responses to these questions, as well as develop responses of their own.  

The aims of teaching RE 

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 communities. 

• Identify, investigate and respond to questions asked and offer responses using some sources of wisdom found in religions and worldwide views. 

• Appreciate the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning. 

Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and worldwide views, so that they can: 

• Explain reasonably their ideas about how beliefs, practices and forms of expression influences individuals and communities. 

• Express their personal reflections to questions and teachings about identity, diversity and ethical issues. 

• Appreciate and appraise varied dimensions of religion. 

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. 

Implementation 

The National Curriculum states that every state-funded school must offer a curriculum which is balanced and broadly based, which promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society which prepares pupils at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. All state schools must teach RE to pupils at every key stage. 

The Derbyshire and Derby agreed syllabus for Religious Education 2020-2025 states that ‘The study of religious and non-religious world views is a core component of a rounded academic education.’ 

Implementing the 2020-2025 agreed syllabus 

At Model Village, staff should, get to know the Programme of Study. The syllabus is structured around three strands, Believing, Expressing and Living. Staff should ensure they are meeting the legal requirements and curriculum time for RE, which are: 

4-5’s 36 hours of RE per year, e.g. 50 minutes a week. 

5-7’s 36 hours of RE per year, or a series of RE days. 

7-11’s 45 hours of RE per year, e.g. 1 hour a week, or a series of RE days. 

When following the agreed syllabus staff should also be aware that RE is different from assembly and should be taught at a clearly identifiable time.  

Flexible delivery of RE is often good practice such as RE themed days or weeks. 

Impact 

Children will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of religious and non- religious views in a variety of ways. Teachers will use questioning both verbally and written to assess the children’s understanding. Children will be encouraged to make judgements as to how they can improve, build and extend their knowledge. 

Written work will, at times be displayed around school to be shared and enjoyed. 

When possible children will be given opportunities to visit places of worship.