Religious Education

Why is religious education important?

Religious Education is a foundation subject in the National Curriculum. Religious education enables children to be reflective about their own beliefs (religious or secular) as well developing a deep respect for the beliefs of others through the knowledge and understanding of different faiths, feelings and values . Through the study of Christianity and other faiths, children will come to recognise and value common beliefs across cultural and religious communities. We believe that this reflection approach develops tolerance, respect and understanding not only for their school and local communities, but also for their future, as we equip them with skills to take their place in wider society.

ROOTED IN KNOWLEDGE

All children follow an enquiry based syllabus - the Discovery RE Scheme which meets the requirements of the Royal Borough Of Kingston agreed syllabus for RE. Religious education planning is built around this scheme and together with knowledge organisers, ensure clear progression as children move up through the school.  Through an informative, engaging and challenging knowledge based curriculum, children will acquire a deeper understanding of a range of religions and beliefs that are held in our community. Armed with this knowledge, they will be able to reflect, debate and discuss different ideas and opinions, in order to engage with others confidently, with empathy and open mindedness. We aim to nurture a sense of belonging to the school community as we discuss shared goals and challenges. Children will learn about religions and beliefs in local, national and global contexts e.g. how religious festivals are celebrated, and how religious beliefs impact daily living.

HOW IS LEARNING SEQUENCED?

Learning is sequenced using the knowledge and skills progression documents developed by the school, using the structure and themes taken from the syllabus.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN THE EARLY YEARS

Throughout the Early Years, the ideas and values that underpin all religions and our tolerance for all people’s beliefs are taught across the curriculum. Children are encouraged to engage with others, to develop an interest in people around them, to think critically and to incorporate new ideas into their own.

In the area of Personal, Social and Emotional Development, children are taught to make positive and lasting relationships with others, accepting that other people have ideas and feelings which might be different from theirs.  They are taught how to compromise, resolve conflict and listen to others' ideas. They become increasingly aware of the similarities and differences between themselves and others and each child is celebrated for their unique abilities. They recognise that they belong to different communities and social groups and begin to talk freely about home and community. They develop an understanding of their own and others feelings and offer empathy and comfort. They are able to understand and discuss the consequences of their behaviour and that of others.

In the area of Understanding of the World, they are encouraged to talk about their own families which develops into an interest in people in the wider community. They talk about what makes them special and can talk about similarities and differences in relation to friends and family. As their listening and language skills develop, they are encouraged to reflect, question and discuss their learning and their interests.

Children in Reception also learn about the following:

Autumn Term - Special People and Christianity, Christmas Christianity.

Spring Term - Celebration in Islam and Judaism, Easter Christianity.

Summer Term - Stories from Various Religions, Special Places in Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

OVERVIEW OF LEARNING IN KS1 AND KS2

The curriculum framework for RE breaks down the aims of RE into 3 strands - these strands ensure that children learn about, as well as learn from, RE.

A - Know about and understand a range of religions and world views.

B - Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and world views.

C - Gain and deploy the skills needed to engage seriously with religions and world views.

Skills Progression

Overview of learning

ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING

In Religious Education, teachers assess children’s progress by making observations during lessons and discussions, using evidence in books and at the end of unit assessments.

Final end of year assessments are made using criteria that have been developed in line with the National Curriculum. Children in the Early Years are assessed within the Personal, Social and Emotional and Understanding of the World criteria in the Early Years Framework. Age related expectation levels are reported to parents at the end of the year. Religious education is monitored through a variety of strategies including: including: planning and book scrutiny, lesson observations and pupil voice.

ENRICHED BY EXPERIENCE

Educational visits to places of worship will bring the learning to life by offering the children the opportunity to reflect on why a sacred space is so important to a religious community.  We also welcome visitors from faith communities and those who hold secular beliefs, as these provide opportunities for the children to discuss and reflect on an individual's personal interpretation and experience of their faith.

Insight, based at the Kingston Cornerstone Church, visits school and lead lessons and assemblies across the different year groups about different aspects of Christianity.  They also provide opportunities for KS1 children to visit local Christian centres of Worship. Year 4 visit a local synagogue and Year 5 visit Kingston Mosque.

Our school values of excellence, nurture, community and exploration are at the core of our teaching and learning.