RE
Religious Education at Dilton Marsh Church of England Primary School.
Intent Statement-
Intent-
At Dilton Marsh Church of England Primary School, we believe that it is vital for all our pupils to learn from and about religion, so that they can understand the world around them. Through Religious Education, pupils develop their knowledge of the world faiths, and their understanding and awareness of the beliefs, values and traditions of other individuals, communities and cultures. We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences.
Our school vision is “Together, we strive to provide a safe, nurturing and challenging environment within our Christian ethos of kindness and respect.
We share a passion for life-long learning and strive for the best for ourselves, others and the World.
Children are encouraged to become independent, curious and resilient learners with the ability to learn from their mistakes and accept challenges.”
Within RE we can encourage a deeper understanding and empathy for ourselves, others and our World. We also believe in the importance of Spirituality for all children and encourage all pupils to think deeply and reflectively to enable them to build resilience, reflection, curiosity and independence.
We also belief that by discovering and developing our understanding of different faiths, it will allow us to strengthen our respect for all people, communities and beliefs.
Implementation –
In ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in R.E., we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school.
We use the agreed Wiltshire Religious Education syllabus as the basis for our curriculum and the work of Discovery RE to implement it.
The planning is based on 6 blocks per year group with at least 50% of the teaching being linked to elements of Christianity and the others to a World Faith. We study Judaism, Hinduism and Islam and there is the opportunity for development in the study of these World Faiths as pupils are taught about these faiths in two different year groups. Judaism- year 1 and year 4 , Islam-year 2 and year 6, Hinduism-year 3 and year 5. In EYFS the children are given the opportunity to learn from the stories and festivals of a number of World Faiths but primarily Christianity.
We aim to ensure a variety of teaching and learning strategies in RE, including the use of art, drama, thinking skills, speaking and listening activities, visits, ICT use and other active learning strategies.
Teaching is linked to a questioning approach, all work is linked to the key question for the Block of work and pupils are encouraged to develop their ideas, knowledge and reflection linked to this key question whilst adding new knowledge to develop their understanding.
There are three layers of questions for each Block’s planning-
1-linked to developing deeper reflections and spirituality.
2- linked to developing knowledge and understanding for each Block of work.
3- questions designed to encourage critical thinking and to consider the BIG questions of Religion.
Through the Discovery RE planning, all pupils will –
-acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in the United Kingdom.
-develop an understanding of the influence of beliefs, values and traditions on individuals, communities, societies and cultures, from the local to the global.
-develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues, with reference to the teachings of the principal religions represented in the UK.
-enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development by developing awareness of the fundamental questions of life raised by human experiences and how religious teachings and beliefs can relate to them.
-encourage children’s understanding of spirituality by giving them the opportunity to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences in the light of their study.
-develop positive attitudes of respect towards other people who hold views and beliefs different from their own, and towards a society of diverse religions and beliefs.
-encourage a deeper understanding of British Values and how they effect and impact on their lives.
Impact-
The impact of RE will be measured through termly assessment of understanding, knowledge and each child’s ability to reflect deeply to answer and explain their thinking about the BIG questions of RE and spirituality.
Children’s responses and understanding will be assessed through a variety of means, including the opportunity to share their thoughts and reflections through writing, art and verbally through discussion and debates.
Our RE curriculum will ensure that all children are ready for their place in society and the next step in their education as confident and resilient learners with a compassion and respect for others.
Through developing the skills by which to understand and have empathy for how other people choose to live they will be equipped to make the right choices to benefit themselves, their families and their local, national and global community both now and in the future.
“For Nothing is Impossible with God.” Luke 1 : 37