Religious Education (RE)

Intent

At Dilton Marsh Church of England Primary School, we believe that it is vital for all our pupils to learn from and about religion, so that they can understand the world around them. Through Religious Education, pupils develop their knowledge of the world faiths, and their understanding and awareness of the beliefs, values and traditions of other individuals, communities and cultures. We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences.

Within RE we can encourage a deeper understanding and empathy for ourselves, others and our World. We also believe in the importance of Spirituality for all children and encourage all pupils to think deeply and reflectively to enable them to build resilience, reflection, curiosity and independence.

We also belief that by discovering and developing our understanding of different faiths, it will allow us to strengthen our respect for all people, communities and beliefs.

At Dilton Marsh C of E Primary School, Religious Education is taught throughout the school in such a way as to reflect the overall values, and vision of the school. As a Church of England school, Religious Education plays an important role, along with other curriculum areas, particularly PSHE and the teaching of British Values, in promoting the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of our children.

The key aims for religious education are reflected in the two attainment targets.

Attainment Target 1 - Learning about region and belief

Attainment target 2- Learning from religion and belief

The development of knowledge, skills and understanding focuses on these two key aspects of learning in Religious Education.

Implementation

In ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in R.E., we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school.

 We use the agreed Wiltshire Religious Education syllabus as the basis for our curriculum and ensure that we comply with the legal requirements by following the RE Today curriculum for Religious Education.

We use the RE Today syllabus to support out teaching and learning in: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Sikhism. Children also learn about Buddhism and the non-religious world view: Humanism. In all year groups, there is a weekly RE lesson.

Our RE curriculum is successfully adapted, designed and developed for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities by the teacher as necessary. It is a curriculum that is broad, balanced and inclusive for all pupils.

We aim to ensure a variety of teaching and learning strategies in RE, including the use of art, drama, thinking skills, speaking and listening activities, visits, ICT use and other active learning strategies.

Impact

The impact of RE will be measured through termly assessment of understanding, knowledge and each child’s ability to reflect deeply to answer and explain their thinking about the BIG questions of RE and spirituality.

Children’s responses and understanding will be assessed through a variety of means, including the opportunity to share their thoughts and reflections through writing, art and verbally through discussion and debates.

Our RE curriculum will ensure that all children are ready for their place in society and the next step in their education as confident and resilient learners with a compassion and respect for others.

Through developing the skills by which to understand and have empathy for how other people choose to live they will be equipped to make the right choices to benefit themselves, their families and their local, national and global community both now and in the future.