Intent
We value the importance of offering a range of relevant opportunities to support children to become respectful and tolerant citizens. This will enable them to understand the responsibilities of modern culture when growing up in a contemporary society. By the time they leave primary school all children will have developed their knowledge of the world’s faiths and their understanding and awareness of the beliefs, values and traditions of other individuals, societies, communities and cultures. Through this knowledge they will have developed an empathetic, understanding and tolerant outlook on the world and its people.
Implementation
Our overview has been planned using Faith and Belief in the 21st Century, The Agreed Syllabus for RE in East Sussex 2022 – 2027. RE is taught through an enquiry-based approach and each unit has a key question for the children to discuss and focus on throughout. A variety of stimuli will be used to engage, motivate and contextualise children’s learning including artefacts, images and food. – questioning will challenge the children and support them to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. Their changing responses to these key questions help teachers to monitor and assess progress. Through their work, in each Key Stage, all pupils will develop their understanding of Christianity and the principal religions represented in the UK: Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Judaism. Pupils will also develop their understanding of non-religious worldviews, including Humanism.
In addition, throughout the year we celebrate and explore major world festivals to encourage the children to learn and appreciate the wider global community. In recent years, we have celebrated: Sukkot, Christmas, Divali and Holi.
Key English skills can be utilized within Religious Education by applying them in new ways, reinforcing and developing concepts such as poetry. Creative skills such as art and music should be used to allow children to develop their self-expression and reflect on their learning.
Impact
Through well-planned teaching of RE, children will leave with good knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and beliefs and a deeper understanding of their own ideas, values and identities.