Religious Education
This is an extract from the RE curriculum policy with information for parents (full policy available on request):
Curriculum Intent:
Religious Education is a compulsory subject and forms part of the National Curriculum to which every pupil should have access. At Seely Primary & Nursery School we follow ‘Discovery RE’ (now Jigsaw RE) which is in line with the locally agreed syllabus for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. We enable children to develop a sound knowledge and understanding not only of Christianity but also of other world religions, especially those that are the main faiths of children within our school. Children reflect on what it means to have a faith and to develop their own spiritual knowledge and understanding.
Our school curriculum for RE meets the requirements of the 1996 Education Reform Act (ERA). The ERA allows parents to withdraw their child from religious education classes if they so wish, although this should only be done once the parents have given written notice to the school governors. The ERA also allows teachers to refuse to teach religious education, but only after they have given due notice of their intention to the school governors.
Pedagogy and Implementation:
Teaching and Organisation
At Seely Primary and Nursery School, the curriculum is designed to enable children to gain knowledge and understanding of one or two religions every year, alongside Christianity which is taught throughout the school: Discovery RE covers all areas of RE for the primary phase, Christianity plus one other religion is taught in each year group.
Discovery RE brings together learning about and from religion, questioning and spiritual development in a comprehensive scheme of learning. Teaching strategies are varied and are mindful of preferred learning styles and the need for differentiation. Each enquiry starts from the children’s own life experiences using these as a bridge into the investigation of the religion being studied. Our teaching enables children to extend their own sense of values and promotes spiritual growth and development. We encourage children to think about their own views and values in relation to the themes and topics studied in the RE curriculum.
Topics are presented using a variety of views and beliefs so that pupils are able to form their own, informed opinions but also respect that others have the right to different opinions. Teachers are never obliged to discuss their own beliefs unless they feel comfortable doing so and can ensure that this will not influence or restrict the children’s own expression.
We ensure the topics studied in religious education build upon prior learning. We offer opportunities for children of all abilities to develop their skills and knowledge in each unit, and we ensure that the planned progression built into the scheme of work offers the children an increasing challenge as they move through the school.
RE is organised into a topic overview for each stage and then a detailed curriculum plan for each year group. From Year 1 to Year 6 Religious Education is taught as a discrete subject, however teachers make links throughout the school curriculum where it is appropriate. Teachers also provide a wide range of learning opportunities for pupils which include experiential and active learning, thinking skills activities, exploring artefacts, drama and role play, visits, visitors, discussion, opportunities to reflect and to participating in circle time and direct teaching. There is a suitable balance between individual, paired, group and whole class learning activities. These activities are differentiated according to pupils’ age, ability and preferred learning style.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
During the EYFS pupils learn about religion ‘Special people’, ’Special places and ‘Celebrations’ such as Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Vaisakhi and Eid. Pupils are encouraged to consider their own experiences of festivals and learn about how other people celebrate. This links to the EYFS statutory framework, specifically to the area of learning called Understanding of the world, People and Communities which states that pupils should ‘know about similarities and differences between themselves and others, and among families, communities and traditions. Pupils are encouraged through adult learning, discussion and role play.
Key Stage One (KS1)
As pupils progress into KS1 their RE learning journey continues as they follow a 2-year cycle and explore Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Pupils investigate the meaning behind beliefs and practices and explore questions about belonging, meaning, prayer, friendship and creation. Celebrations like Christmas and Easter are given new treatment each year, developing the learning in a progressive way.
Key Stage Two (KS2)
As pupils enter lower KS2 they continue to build on their knowledge of Christianity, Sikhism and Buddhism. In upper KS2, pupils learn about Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Humanism. Pupils are expected to make connections and use their knowledge to respond thoughtfully to different ideas and expressions of faith. Pupils are encouraged to think philosophically and respond to questions sensitively.
Access for all
We make sure that all children access the RE curriculum and achieve success, therefore ensuring that adapted tasks where pertinent allow them to develop and extend their depth of knowledge and understanding so that they can demonstrate successfully what they know, understand and can do. Tasks are selected and designed to provide appropriate challenge to all learners, in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.
Wider Curriculum:
Children in Years 1-6 participate in trips to a place of worship each year. This visit is based on a religion that the children are currently studying in RE and they have the opportunity to see religious artefacts, holy books and texts and features of the religious building. They also have the opportunity to meet religious leaders.
Additionally, children’s knowledge of the major religious festivals, such as: Vaisakhi, Diwali, Eid, Easter, Yom Kippur etc. are all revisited each year through assemblies. Seely recognises World Religion Day each year through assemblies too.
