Religious Education

Religious Education Curriculum Statement

Aiming High Together

Intent

Here, at Lowton West Primary School, we aim to develop children’s knowledge and understanding of the major world faiths and explore fundamental questions in life. We want children to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in Great Britain; to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and our behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Religious Education is taught throughout the school in such a way as to reflect the overall aims, values, and philosophy of the school. Religious Education plays an important role, along with all other curriculum areas, particularly PSHCE.

Religious Education has a significant role in the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. It promotes respect and open-mindedness towards others with different faiths and beliefs and encourages pupils to develop their sense of identity and belonging through self-awareness and reflection. The principle aim of Religious Education is to engage pupils in an enquiry based approach where they can develop an understanding and appreciation for the expression of beliefs, cultural practices and influence of principle religions and worldviews in the local, national and wider global community.

Implementation

Our Religious Education curriculum is taught in accordance with the locally-agreed syllabus for Wigan Local Education Authority. Each term, every year group will cover specific topics through an enquiry based approach in line with the school’s Long Term Plan. Questions such as: What does it mean to belong? What matters to Christians about Easter? What is important in Jewish life and worship? are explored through a range of activities. The curriculum provides opportunities for discussion and debate which engages and interests the children, making the world of religion come alive. Opportunities are taken to positively promote equality and diversity.

Experiences and enrichment opportunities include:

•  handling artefacts
• exploring scared texts
•  responding to images, games, stories, art, music and dance
•  using imaginative play or drama to express feelings and ideas
•  meeting visitors from local religious communities
•  making visits to religious places of worship where possible, and where not, making use of videos and the internet
•  taking part in school events (Harvest Festival, Christmas Carol Service, school performances)
•  participating in moments of quiet reflection
•  participating in assemblies
•  using ICT to further explore religion and belief globally
•  comparing religions and worldviews through discussion
•  debating and communicating religious belief, worldviews and philosophical ideas and answering and asking ultimate questions posed by these

The skills developed through the teaching of Religious Education include :

•  Questioning - asking relevant questions, to challenge and promote higher order thinking
•  Investigating - investigating world religions, e.g. Judaism, Islam, Christianity- knowing how to gather information from a variety of resources, artefacts. - developing religious vocabulary e.g. to describe key features.
•  Analysing - distinguishing between fact and opinion.
•  Reflection - reflecting on feelings, relationships, beliefs.
•  Empathy - showing consideration for other peoples’ thoughts, experiences and beliefs - developing the ability to show feelings of love, forgiveness and to see the world through other people’s view-points.
• Expression - explaining religious views and responding to questions.
•  Evaluation - debating issues of religious significance with reference to evidence and argument.

Impact

The children at Lowton West Primary enjoying learning lots about other religions and why people choose, or choose not to follow a religion. Through their learning, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world. Through Religious Education, our children are developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life, which they are then able to communicate to the wider community.

•  All pupils are provided with a balanced and broad curriculum which encompasses the traditions of Great Britain as well as a variety of other mainstream religions and beliefs.
•  All staff members are aware of planning, assessment, teaching and learning requirements for the Religious Education curriculum.
•  All pupils understand all elements of Religious Education, as per the locally-agreed curriculum.
•  All pupils know how to plan, practise and evaluate their work.
•  All pupils receive a high level of teaching which is maintained at all times.
•  Community cohesion and high standards of achievement are promoted.

Religious Education offers our children the means by which to understand how other people choose to live and to understand why they choose to live in that way. As such, Religious Education is invaluable in an ever changing world.

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