Religious Education

Curriculum Intent

The aim of Religious Education is to help children to acquire and develop religious literacy with knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions and world views represented in the United Kingdom; to develop an understanding of the influence of the beliefs, values and traditions on individuals, communities, societies and cultures and develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development; to develop attitudes of respect towards other people who hold views and beliefs different from their own; to develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious issues, with reference to the principal religions and world views represented locally and in the United Kingdom.

Religious Education is taught throughout Victoria Primary in such a way as to reflect the overall aims, values, and philosophy. Religious Education plays an important role, along with all other curriculum areas, particularly PSHE, in promoting the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of our children at Victoria Primary Academy.

It is an enquiry-based approach to learning and pupils should have a sound knowledge and understanding of a variety of religious traditions and cultures as well as those of people with no-faith.  We use the Discovery RE curriculum to support planning and resourcing. This is fully linked to the local agreed syllabus and meets all its requirements.

Religions deal with some of the most profound and difficult questions in human life, questions such as:

  • What is the purpose of life?
  • How should people treat each other?
  • How do we explain and cope with death and suffering?

Religions approach these issues in complex ways, in ways of life, culture and action, as well as ritual, tradition, story, symbol and belief. Religious Education must take account of this depth and complexity, helping pupils to an understanding appropriate to their age and aptitude.

Curriculum Aims

To meet this intent for RE Victoria Primary seeks:

  • to develop pupils' skills;
  • to enable them to ask questions;
  • to discover information, to approach new material with empathy;
  • to reflect on their learning. Pupils should not only acquire knowledge but also be able to use their knowledge to understand their world, build community, and develop their personal position.

Throughout the RE curriculum pupils are encouraged to explore religions, engage with their knowledge, and reflect on their learning and their lives.

Implementation

  • The Discovery RE scheme is used as a basis for planning. This meets all aspects of the agreed Northamptonshire syllabus
  • The focus of R.E is on what we can learn from other religions.
  • The questions of enquiry are used in all lessons and included on planning.
  • 1 hour of RE is taught a week although this can be blocked as long as the correct number of hours are still taught.
  • RE is primarily taught by the class teacher.
  • At least one unit in each year group has a visiting speaker or a trip.
  • Tier 2 and tier 3 vocabulary is used throughout lessons and discussed with the children. Children understand what they mean and are able to use them when discussing R.E.
  • The coverage is representative of the diversity of cultures and religions in our community and pupils are encouraged to share their beliefs and culture.
  • Pupils with additional needs are supported so that they can access the learning at an appropriate level for them. Children may benefit from having picture prompts to help them understand certain religious stories. They will be supported and prompted to answer the questions for enquiry such as ‘What would you like to ask?’

Subject Leader

For more information, please contact the RE Subject Leader:

Mrs N Hensman
hensmann@victoriaprimaryacademy.org.uk


Useful Documents

RE Subject Coverage Map for Key Stage 1 and 2