RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND WORLDVIEWS
 AT EVELYN CP SCHOOL

Intent

The purpose of teaching R.E. in the 21^st century is to ensure children are given the opportunity to learn about the six main world faiths, as well as non-religious views, and their influence on individuals, culture, behaviour and national life. 
At Evelyn CP School the intention of R.E. is to support pupils in reflecting upon, developing and affirming their own beliefs, values and attitudes through an exploration of shared human experience and of the place and significance of diverse religions in the contemporary world as well as non-belief.
Pupils should learn to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Implementation

Religious Education in Evelyn Community Primary School is provided in accordance with the non-statutory guidance provided by QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) and the National Framework for R.E.  Content is based largely on Lancashire Agreed Syllabus together with the Wirral Agreed Syllabus for R.E. (2020). The subject forms an integral part of the school’s unique ARCS Curriculum.

The school recognises the approach of open enquiry accompanied by a sensitivity and respect for all religious traditions and well as non-belief.  The school makes no faith suppositions about the religious background of pupils.
 

R.E. in Ladybirds class (Reception) follows the Wirral 2019 syllabus, with themes taught through topics such as:

- Making sense of life’s experiences (Creation)

- A good life (Belonging)
- Words and Beyond (Light celebrations)

- Continuity, change and diversity (Easter and new life)
- The big picture (Stories from the Bible)

- Influence, community, culture and power (Stories from other faiths)

During R.E. in Key Stages One and Two, children acquire and apply knowledge and understanding of:

• Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism;
• How these religions influence individuals, communities, society and the world.

As well as learning about religions, children also develop their ability to respond to what they have learned.

• A secular world view (such as Humanism)

Christianity is central to the syllabus but draws on the other 5 world religions.

There are two attainment targets - ‘learning about religion’ and ‘learning from religion’.  The themes which have been selected for each year group provide the context of learning ‘about’ and ‘from’ religion.

Learning ‘about’ religion includes enquiry into, and investigation of, the nature of religion, its beliefs, teachings and way of life, sources, practices and forms of expression.  Pupils learn to communicate their knowledge and understanding using specialist vocabulary. 

Learning ‘from’ religion is concerned with developing pupils’ reflection on and response to their own and others’ experiences in the light of their learning about religion.  It develops pupils’ skills of application, interpretation and evaluation of what they learn about religion. 

Religious Education is also taught throughout assemblies in such a way as to reflect the overall aims, values, and ethos of the school.

Promoting spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through religious education supports all children in reaching the school’s ‘Student Exit Profile’

RE plays an important role, along with other curriculum areas such as PSHCE, in promoting social awareness and understanding in our children. We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. We include and promote British values, ensuring that children are aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

Impact

Pupils enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose, or choose not to follow a religion. Through their R.E. learning, they 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.

Through the RE curriculum, the following attitudes are fostered at each phase:

• Self-awareness
• Respect for all
• Open-mindedness
• Appreciation and wonder

We believe this curriculum will deliver;

• successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve
• confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives
• responsible, reflective and tolerant citizens who make a positive contribution to society