Religious Education

Our principal aim of Religious Education is to explore beliefs and the impact this has on how they live. Pupils gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religion and belief, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living.

Our RE Curriculum follows the 2019-2024 non-statutory guidance for Religious Education, Devon and Torbay SACRE (Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education) which promotes, supports and encourages outstanding practice in the teaching of Religious Education (RE).

The agreed syllabus aims to ensure that all children:

1. Make sense of a range of religious and non-religious beliefs, so that they can identify, describe, explain and analyse beliefs and concepts in the context of living religions using appropriate vocabulary. Explain how and why these beliefs are understood in different ways, by individuals and within communities. Recognise how and why sources of authority (e.g. texts, teachings, traditions, leaders) are used, expressed and interpreted in different ways, developing skills of interpretation.

2. Understand the impact and significance of religious and non-religious beliefs, so that they can examine and explain how and why people express their beliefs in diverse ways. Recognise and account for ways in which people put their beliefs into action in diverse ways, in their everyday lives, within their communities and in the wider world. Appreciate and appraise the significance of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning.

3. Make connections between religious and non-religious beliefs, concepts, practices and ideas studied, so that they can evaluate, reflect on and enquire into the key concepts and questions studied, responding thoughtfully and creatively, giving good reasons for their responses. Challenge the ideas studied, and allow the ideas studied to challenge their own thinking, articulating beliefs, values and commitment clearly in response. Discern possible connections between the ideas studied and their own ways of understanding the world, expressing their critical responses and personal reflections with increasing clarity and understanding.

RE is taught by studying one religion at a time, through systemic and thematic units, which build on learning by comparing religions, beliefs and practices studied. Each unit has a key question which is used to engage children in the content. We use a variety of resources, texts and real life contexts to inspire our children. RE outcomes link with other areas of the curriculum including Art, English and Science.

To further deepen learning, religious festivals are celebrated in assemblies and religious visitors are invited to talk to our children about their faith and beliefs. These visits provide the children with opportunities to ask questions and have hands on experiences, these include ‘Open the Book’ Assemblies and visits from the leaders of our local church communities.

Our RE curriculum supports all of our learners to be confident individuals and responsible citizens. It assists children in becoming independent and considerate members of the community and supports children’s spiritual development, equipping them for a world of diversity. Children learn to respect others and celebrate differences.

Our RE curriculum provokes challenging questions about meaning and purpose in life, beliefs, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. It equips pupils with systematic knowledge and an understanding of a range of religions and beliefs, enabling them to develop their ideas, values and identities. Children learn to articulate their own beliefs, values and experiences, while respecting the right of others to differ.