Our R.E. curriculum fosters curiosity about different religions and beliefs allowing them to be respectful global citizens of the future.
In our school, we believe that it is vital for all our pupils to learn about religion so that they can get a better understanding of the world around them. We understand that our school is not based in an area of cultural diversity, we therefore aim to develop children’s understanding of religion within the context of the wider world. The aim of Religious Education in our school is to help children to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of world religions represented in Great Britain; to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural capital.
We understand that religious education contributes to a child’s education by provoking challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about god and issues of right and wrong. We aim to place RE in local, national and global contexts so that children can grow to be understanding and tolerant of different faiths while acknowledging their own culture and heritage.
We use the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education developed by Devon County Council and Torbay Council as the basis for our curriculum. This is supported by using resources and CPD from ‘Understanding Christianity’ and ‘REToday’. Using this, the following religions have been selected for in-depth study:
- Christianity
- Islam
- Judaism
- Hinduism
In the Early Years Foundation Stage they start their religious education by looking at three core concepts of Christianity (Creation, Incarnation and Salvation), these have been chosen as the stories are known by children and link to festivals that are familiar to them. In addition, other religions are introduced to children through continuous provision. These concepts are revisited as they go up the school allowing them to build on their prior knowledge. From KS1 onwards, children will also have a unit on one of the other religions plus a multi-religion unit that gives them time to reflect on ways in which different religions have similarities and differences. Each unit of religion will look at: Making sense of the text, Making connections and Understanding the Impact. To support our children’s learning we have close links to the organisation ‘Global Centre Devon’ where we are extremely fortunate to have a cultural champion visit each year group. We also have links to the education centres for both Hinduism and Islam as well as Exeter Synagogue. These experiences are crucial to supporting our children’s cultural development and awareness of what religion means to different people around the world.
We believe our children will:
- Explain and account for ways in which people put their beliefs into action in diverse ways.
- Be familiar with the fundamental principles of the world religions selected.
- Show empathy and tolerance within a diverse world.
- Acknowledge the diversity, religions and beliefs of their local community
- Be sensitive to the views and beliefs of others and know that religious education has an impact on the future evolution of society.
- Leave school with a sense belonging, where they have the confidence and skills to make decisions, self-evaluate and continue to ask important questions.
