Intent

 

At The Grange, we believe at this school that RE both supports and strengthens what we aim to do in every aspect of school life. Our caring ethos and the value which we place on the development of the whole child; spiritually, morally, socially, culturally and intellectually is reflected in the RE curriculum. Our curriculum covers Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism, with Christianity being taught in every year group, and key Christian festivals such as Easter and Christmas being given additional focus.

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Here at The Grange, we believe in the importance of developing good relationships throughout all aspects of school life. Religious Education has a crucial part to play in helping to recognise and appreciate the contribution religion, in its varied aspects, has made to how people see the world. We believe it is important not only to learn about religion, but also to learn from religion. RE is exciting and absolutely relevant to the lives of all our children. We hope that our commitment and enthusiasm as governors and staff will be communicated by the high priority we place on RE.

 

Implementation

 

We use the PlanBee curriculum and the Oxfordshire Locally Agreed Syllabus to support our enquiry approach to learning, covering the 6 principal world faiths in a progressive way from Year 1 to Year 6. In the early years, the learning is closely matched to The Early Years Framework to contribute meaningfully to our children’s holistic development. Throughout all the enquiries, the children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is carefully considered.

 

Each RE unit lasts for a half a term, and consists of a number of lessons to explore the beliefs and worship of the religion, as well as answering key questions such as ‘Why is Muhammad important to Muslims?’ Each lesson enables pupils to build on the learning from previous lesson and year groups, and contributes to pupil understanding, allowing pupils to think critically and answer key questions. Each lesson focuses on developing pupils’ knowledge and awareness of the importance of key people, symbols, and literature within each religion. Each lesson provides opportunities for pupils to explore aspects of each religion in different ways, through a variety of creative and expressive activities, such as poetry writing, role play and artwork.

 

The final week in every unit gives the children time to reflect on what they have learnt about the concept and apply to it their own lives, thus allowing them to form their own beliefs and identity. For example, once pupils have explored how Muslims are inspired and influenced by Muhammad, they can then compare this to inspirational and influential people in their own lives and consider their importance. By making these connections and considering the key questions from each unit, pupils understanding can be assessed, and their ideas reflected upon. This demonstrates the level of critical thinking that the children can apply – a valuable skill for them throughout the school curriculum.

 

 

Aims

 

• To develop the children knowledge and understanding of, and their ability to respond to, Christianity and the other principal religions represented in Great Britain.

•  To explore issues within and between faiths to help them understand and respect different religions, beliefs, values, and traditions (including ethical life stories), and understand the influence of those individuals, societies, communities and cultures.

• Consider questions of meaning and purpose in life.

• To learn about religious and ethical teaching, enabling them to make reasoned and informed judgements on religious and moral issues.

• To develop the children’s sense of identity and belonging, preparing them for adult life as citizens in wider society.

• To develop enquiry and response skills through the use of distinctive language, listening and empathy.

• To reflect on, analyse and evaluate their beliefs, values and practices and communicate their responses.

 

Impact

 

Through the design of our curriculum, pupils at The Grange will have a broad and balanced understanding and awareness of the world around them. Children will acknowledge the diversity, religions, and beliefs of their local community, and know their own value in adding to this. Children will feel confident when discussing philosophical questions and know how to be respectful as a listener. They will approach others views and beliefs with sensitivity, and know that religious education holds importance throughout the local community and the wider world. Pupils will know that they are in a community where their own thoughts, views and beliefs are valued and are safe to be shared. Our children will leave school with a strong sense of belonging, with the confidence and skills to make decisions, to self-reflect, and to continue to ask important questions.