Reviewed by: Janine Green, PP&C Committee 9th June 2021
Next Review: Spring 2023
Rationale:
- The Education Act 1996 states that an agreed syllabus must reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, while taking account of the teachings and practices of the other principal religions represented.
- At Kelvin Grove we recognise that Religious Education provides an opportunity to celebrate and foster awareness of the differences within our school and the wider world. It is a subject that celebrates diversity and challenges stereotypes.
- ‘Religious education actively promotes the values of truth, justice, respect for all and care of the environment. It places specific emphasis on:
* Pupils valuing themselves and others;
* The role of family and the community in religious belief and activity;
* The celebration of diversity in society through understanding similarities and differences;
* Sustainable development of the Earth.’
‘Learning Together through Faiths and Beliefs’ – 2018 Lewisham Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.
Our school community is made up of staff and pupils who originate from many different nationalities, cultures and faith groups. As a school we aim to celebrate this diversity and offer a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our pupils, including new arrivals and non-native English speakers.
Definition
Religious education encourages pupils to learn about different religions, beliefs, values and traditions while exploring their own beliefs. It challenges pupils to consider and discuss issues of truth, belief, faith and ethics; questioning of meaning encourages pupils to develop their sense of identity; belonging helps them to flourish individually, within their communities, and as citizens; and lifelong learning helps pupils develop respect for, and sensitivity to, others, helping combat prejudice.
Our Aims and Objectives
Key Stage 1
Throughout Key Stage 1, pupils explore Christianity and two other principal religions – Hinduism and Islam. They learn different beliefs about God and the world around them. They encounter and respond to a range of stories, artefacts and other religious materials. They learn to recognise that beliefs are expressed in a variety of ways and begin to use specialist vocabulary. They begin to understand the importance and value of religion and belief, especially for other children and their families. Pupils ask relevant questions and develop a sense of wonder about the world, using their imagination. They talk about what is important to them and others, valuing themselves, reflecting on their own feelings and experiences and developing a sense of belonging.
Key Stage 2
Throughout Key Stage 2, pupils learn about Christianity and all five of the other principal religions – Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism – recognising the impact of religion and belief locally, nationally and globally. They make connections between differing aspects of religion and consider the different forms of religious expression. They consider the beliefs, teachings, practices and ways of life central to religion. They learn about sacred texts and other sources and consider their meanings. They begin to recognise diversity in religion, learning about similarities and differences both within and between religions and beliefs and the importance of dialogue between them.
They extend the range and use of specialist vocabulary. They recognise the challenges involved in distinguishing between ideas of right and wrong, and valuing what is good and true. They communicate their ideas, recognising other people’s viewpoints. They consider their own beliefs and values and those of others in the light of their learning in Religious Education.
Aim 1: The school curriculum should aim to provide opportunities for all pupils to learn and achieve.
Aim 2: The school curriculum should aim to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and prepare all pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life.
Legal Requirements
The Education Act 1996 states that an agreed syllabus must reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, while taking account of the teachings and practices of the other principal religions represented within the school.
In accordance with the law, we provide Religious Education for all pupils registered at the school. The teaching of R.E. comprises 5% of the curriculum timetable as required by the Agreed Syllabus and recommended by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, which equates to:
Key Stage 1 36 hours per year
Key Stage 2 45 hours per year
Parents are informed on the school website, that they have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education lessons in-line with the1996 Education Act, which states that ‘a parent can request that their child be wholly or partly excused from Religious Education and religious worship in the school’.
Planning and Teaching of R.E.
The Scheme of Work for Religious Education covers all the requirements of Lewisham’s Agreed Syllabus 2018. R.E. is taught in half-termly units comprising of a combination of religion-based and thematic topics from Years 1 to 6. EYFS have guidance that provides appropriate personal, social and emotional experiences, which will support the development of their understanding of the place of religion and beliefs in people’s lives.
Inclusion and differentiation for children with SEN and EAL are taken into account in our planning and teaching, as they are in all areas of our curriculum. Within the teaching of Religious Education, we make the most of opportunities to help the children develop their sensitivity towards relevant issues such as refugees and religious fasting, and to develop positive attitudes towards themselves and others.
Teaching Methods
Active learning methods are used throughout the school during R.E. lessons, which involve a pupil’s full participation. Discussion based lessons are an effective way to identify and challenge stereotypes and prejudices, and they also enable those pupils who have specific faith backgrounds to share experiences and beliefs with their peers. These lessons are carried out in an environment where pupils feel comfortable and safe to speak, yet aware of the need to be empathetic and respectful at all times. Outside speakers from our local community and visits to local places of worship also take place to reinforce and develop an understanding of a faith being studied.
Working with Parents
Parents are actively encouraged to be fully involved in their child’s learning at Kelvin Grove, and as part of this, if they wish to impart religious knowledge or experiences relevant to a particular age group, they will come to school and work with pupils (once the relevant checks have been made).
Assessing, Recording and Reporting
Pupils’ work is marked and assessed in-line with the Learning Objective(s) for that specific lesson. The Learning Objective is written in child-friendly language, and where appropriate from Year 2 to Year 6, are written by the child into their books. After each session, teachers carry out their own AfL (Assessment for Learning) to develop their next lesson’s planning.
Procedures for Policy Monitoring and Evaluation
The Religious Education Policy is reviewed every 5 years in-line with Lewisham’s revision of their Scheme of Work.
Dissemination and Review
The Policy is available on the school website, and both the Policy and Scheme of Work will be reviewed every 5 years in-line with Lewisham’s requirements.
The whole school community shares a responsibility in the successful implementation of this policy.