Buntingsdale Primary School & Nursery
RE
Curriculum Statement – Religious Education
Intent
Religious Education has a significant role for 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 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
RE teaching at our school follows the legal requirements of the Education Reform Act (1988), which places RE as part of the basic curriculum; a statutory subject which is an entitlement for all pupils. Religious Education at Buntingsdale CE Primary School and Nursery is taught in accordance with the requirements of the Shropshire Agreed Syllabus (renewed 2019).
The teaching of Christianity is core to the teaching of RE in our school. However, we have a duty to foster an accurate and increasing understanding of world religions and world views. As a result, pupils will gain greater insight into the world in which they are growing up. They will also learn to appreciate the faith of others and develop a deeper understanding of their own ideas and beliefs. At Buntingsdale Primary School, it has been agreed that having taken into account the requirements and guidelines presented in the Agreed Syllabus, the following religions have been selected for study:
EYFS and Key Stage 1: Christianity, Hinduism and Judaism
Key Stage 2: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism
Religious Education at our school focuses around six key concepts; Identity, Diversity and Belonging; Practices and Ways of Life; Expressing Meaning; Values and Commitments; Beliefs, Teachings and Sources; Meaning, Purpose and Truth. In order to explore these concepts the children will consider 14 Key Questions which are outlined within The Shropshire Agreed Syllabus
The Shropshire Agreed Syllabus says that:
‘Religious Education should enhance learning through helping children:
to learn about religion: developing knowledge and understanding of religious experiences, insights, beliefs and practices
to learn from religion: to deepen or realise their own beliefs and respect the freedom of other people to hold beliefs different from their own, so preparing them for adult life as citizens in a plural society
to develop an awareness of a spiritual dimension to life
to develop an awareness that many people believe human life depends on an ultimate being or sustaining creative power, often referred to as God’
Parents have the right to request that their child is withdrawn for Religious Education. Please contact the headteacher in the first instance if you feel this is something you wish to do.
Impact
The children at Buntingsdale Primary School enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose, or choose not to follow a religion. Through their R.E. learning, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world, developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life. It also enables the children to explore ultimate questions of beliefs and values in relation to a range of contemporary issues in an ever-changing society