Religious Education
All children – regardless of gender, starting point or background – will have the opportunity to engage with a high-quality religious education. They will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and vocabulary to learn through a curriculum that provides opportunities to reflect, discuss and explore more about the world in which they live in. The curriculum provides children with the knowledge of different religious traditions, celebrations, stories and values. Our RE curriculum pupils develop an understanding of themselves and others as well as respecting differences. Lessons will promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of individuals and communities. We intend to inspire a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about different world religions
Intent
At Westminster Community Primary School, we believe that it is important for all our pupils to learn from and about all religions, so that they can understand the world around them. The aim of Religious Education in our school is to help children to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of principal religions represented in around the world; to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Religious Education is taught throughout the school in such a way as to reflect the overall aims, values, and philosophy of the school. It plays an important role, along with all other curriculum areas, particularly PSHEE, in promoting social awareness and understanding in our children. We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. We include and promote British values, ensuring that children are aware of their rights and responsibilities as UK citizens. Our curriculum is designed to encourage creativity, imagination, enquiry, debate, discussion and independence.
Implementation
At Westminster Community Primary School, it has been agreed that the following religions have been selected for study:
- Christianity
- Islam
- Judaism
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Sikhism
- Hummanism
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. We are extremely lucky that members of the local church and other domiciles, regularly visit our school to carry out assemblies or speak with our children. We acknowledge that each religion studied can contribute to the education of all our pupils. We promote teaching in Religious Education that stresses open enquiry and first-hand experiences wherever possible for both staff and children
Impact
The children at Westminster Community Primary enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose, or choose not to follow a religion. 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. As such, R.E. is invaluable in an ever changing and complex world.
The following websites also help us to keep up to date with Religous Education and support our teaching and training:
National Association of Teachers of RE
CWAC Standing Advisory Council on RE (SACRE)