Intent

At Northbourne CE Primary our RE curriculum is ambitious and is a high priority for all pupils and staff. We aim for the RE curriculum to be rich and varied, to engage and challenge all pupils through the exploration of core concepts and questions. We introduce pupils to a range of relevant disciplines including theology, philosophy and the human and social sciences, enabling learners to acquire a thorough knowledge and understanding of a range of faiths and world views.

At Northbourne CE Primary, the teaching of Christianity is at the heart of the RE curriculum. Through the Understanding Christianity teaching resource, the use of an enquiry approach engages with significant theological concepts and the children’s own understanding of the world as part of their wider religious literacy. Using the Kent Agreed Syllabus children learn about world religions and world views, fostering respect for them. Links with our school’s Christian values and vision, and support for pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development are intrinsic to our RE curriculum and have a significant impact on learners. Our Christian values are embedded across the curriculum.

Through our schools' RE Curriculum and as stated in the RE Statement of Entitlement we aim for all pupils to:

• Know about and understand Christianity as a diverse' global living faith through the exploration of core beliefs using an approach that critically engages with biblical text.
• Gain knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews appreciating diversity, continuity and change within the religions and worldviews being studied.
• Engage with challenging questions of meaning and purpose raised by human existence and experience.
• Recognise the concept of religion and its continuing influence on Britain’s cultural heritage and in the lives of individuals and societies in different times, cultures and places.
• Explore their own religious, spiritual and philosophical ways living, believing and thinking.

Implementation

 

 

At Northbourne CE Primary we have a high-quality sequential religious education programme. Teachers use the Understanding Christianity Resources/Scheme to teach Christianity and the Kent Agreed Syllabus to teach world faiths.  These planning resources are coherently planned and sequenced, including a balanced mixture of Christianity, world religions and world views (Hindu Dharma, Islam, Sikhi, Judaism, Humanism).  They also include universal units on looking after the world and racism. The RE curriculum is broad, balanced and inclusive for all pupils. Our RE curriculum is successfully adapted, designed and developed for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities by the teacher as necessary. 

RE is taught based around The Big Story and Big Questions, in accordance with Understanding Christianity units and supplemented by the Kent Approved Syllabus plans/units of work. (Islam, Judaism, Hindu Dharma, Sikhi, Humanism and the universal units). There are opportunities for children to understand the role of foundational texts, beliefs, rituals, and practices and how they help form identity in a range of religions and worldviews. There is clear progression of knowledge and skills.

The teaching of Religious Education makes a distinctive contribution to the school curriculum as it allows all pupils to explore, question, understand and express their own response to spiritual and religious approaches to life.  Our Religious Education curriculum provides high quality teaching and learning, which in turn enriches the children’s learning experiences. The curriculum is enhanced with visits to places of worship and visits from people of world faiths and enriching resources.

The RE Lead will monitor and review the implementation of the RE policy, schemes of work, the quality and effectiveness of the delivery of RE, pupils’ progress and standards, through pupil voice, book monitoring and discussions with staff. RE is assessed termly against the learning outcomes and skills are highlighted. RE is assessed at the end of the year in line with other curriculum areas.

Impact

Children at Northbourne CE Primary enjoy learning about Christianity, world religions and why people choose to follow a religion and they can reflect on what they are learning in a religiously literate way, as seen through Pupil Voice activities. Pupil engagement in RE is high and through their R.E. learning, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world.

Through R.E. our children develop an understanding of Christianity, other people’s cultures and ways of life and worship, which they are then able to communicate to the wider community.  As a result, children show high levels of self-awareness and model respect and empathy for others. Pupils use specific skills and vocabulary taught in lessons across other aspects of the school day and school life. Pupils are able to question and through discussion and feedback, children will talk enthusiastically about their R.E. lessons and faith days.