Statement of intent
Our Religious Education curriculum is made up of units from Understanding Christianity and the North Yorkshire Syllabus for Religious Education. It aims to provide the children with a rich and deep understanding of the Christian faith and what it means to be Christian as well as helping children to develop their knowledge of humankind’s varied religions and beliefs. Children have the opportunity to explore practices, values, beliefs and lifestyles from across the world and are encouraged to engage in meaningful discussions and debates about God, life and humanity. It is our intent that children are taught and encouraged to be open, sensitive, reflective and critical-minded when learning about and discussing religion and faith; this will enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Key themes are returned to and revisited as children progress through school, such as religious festivals, belonging to a faith community and the question of 'who is God?' This enables children to build on skills and knowledge year on year and helps to embed their learning.
Implementation
We use Understanding Curriculum for depth when learning about Christianity and The North Yorkshire Agreed Syllabus to provide breadth of religious study. The following religions have been selected for study:
- Christianity
- Judaism
- Islam
- Hinduism
- Humanism
In the Early Years Foundation Stage the learning outcomes are referenced to Christianity and as appropriate to a range of other beliefs and cultures
There are no presumptions made as to the religious backgrounds and beliefs and values of the children and the staff. We value the religious background of all members of the school community and hope that this will encourage individuals to share their own experiences with others freely. All religions and their communities are treated with respect and sensitivity and we value the links, which are, and can be made between home, school, and a faith community.
Children are able to explore and learn about religion using a range of learning strategies such as:
- handling artefacts
- exploring scared texts
- using imaginative play or drama to express feelings and ideas
- responding to images, games, stories, art, music and dance
- 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 whole school events- (multi-faith days, Harvest Festival, school performances)
- participating in moments of quiet reflection
- 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
Impact
The children at Bishop Monkton Primary School enjoy learning about Christianity and other religions. They are interested in exploring why people choose, or choose not to follow a religion and eager to ask questions. 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. They are also able to develop their religious vocabulary and understanding of stories and traditions.