Religious Education (RE) makes a major contribution to the education of our children here in The Grove Primary School. It helps pupils develop knowledge and understanding of religion and of the differing religions and non-religious beliefs represented in Great Britain today. Children start to think about their own experiences, feelings, beliefs and values. In RE our children learn about people from a wide variety of faiths and beliefs. As a result, children develop respect, tolerance and friendship.
Here at The Grove Primary School we follow the Durham Syllabus and have planned Religious Education to ensure children can build up a picture of Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism and non-religious world wide views.
Early Years
During the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Religious Education may be taught as part of whole class topics or themes. This Agreed Syllabus uses the following themes to explore religion: Special and Belonging. Children could explore these ideas through topics such as special times, special objects, special people, special books, how we show belonging, the natural world, new life, new places, and stories provide excellent opportunities for RE foundation work in Nursery and Reception and can be successfully built on at Key Stage 1.
Examples for exploration in Religious Education: -Let’s find out about the Christmas story-Let’s find out about Raksha Bandhan For more detail, see EYFS section.
In EYFS, schools should draw on Christianity plus aspects of other principle religions.
Key Stage One
Key Stage 1 Pupils must be taught about:
•Christianity-introduction to beliefs and practices and their impact. Example of Unit Question -How do Christians celebrate Easter?
•Buddhism –introduction to some beliefs and practices and their impact. Example of Unit Question -How do Buddhists worship?
•Religious diversity-introduction to the diverse religious and non-religious landscape in the local area (including differing denominations).Example of Unit Question -What can we find out about our local faith communities?For more detail, see Key Stage 1 section and Key Stage 1 Programmes of Study.
Key Stage Two
Pupils must be taught about:
•Christianity–beliefs and practices across the denominations and the impact of these for individuals and communities. Examples of Unit Question-Why are Good Friday and Easter Sunday the most important days for Christians? -So, what do we now know about Christianity? (Statutory Bridging Unit)
•Hinduism–some beliefs and practices and the impact of these for individuals and communities Example of Unit Question -What do Hindus believe?
•Judaism–some beliefs and practices and the impact of these for individuals and communities Example of Unit Question -Why do Jewish people go to the synagogue?
•religious diversity-the diverse religious and non-religious landscape across the region, including special study of a local Muslim community Examples of Unit Questions-What can we find out about diversity in our region?-What can we find out about a local Muslim community?
•similarities and differences within and between religious and non-religious worldviews through at least one thematic study e.g.about ritual, the environment, care for others Examples of Unit Questions-How do people show care for others?-Why do people use ritual in their lives?
R.E. Whole school Long term planning
