Religious Education
‘you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view […] until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.’ Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee.
Intent
Religious education at St Botolphs Primary School aims to develop children’s understanding about the world’s religions and cultures; supporting them to become compassionate, open-minded and tolerant individuals. Our aim is to provide children with engaging and memorable experiences in religious education. Following the Suffolk Agreed Syllabus – Emmanuel Project (Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich), the RE curriculum will open doors to an understanding of the different faiths in the wider world, whilst also deepening the children’s knowledge of, and appreciation for, the major world religions. All children will follow a course of study that explores the beliefs and values of Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam and Judaism on a bi-yearly cycle of learning. Additionally, children will be introduced to Buddhism and Humanism in Years 5 and 6. Building on prior knowledge our intent is that children will transfer this journey of learning to their long term memory. We aim to enrich the children’s learning and experiences with religious artefacts, visits to places of worship and opportunities to speak with people of different faiths. Children will be reflective about their learning and be confident and inquisitive with their questioning.
Religious education is an important aspect of our curriculum and must be taught to all registered pupils in maintained schools, except to those withdrawn by their parents.
IMPLEMENTATION
At St Botolph’s Primary School, our religious education curriculum follows the Emmanuel Project. This scheme of work provides children with a wide range of inspiring opportunities following a three step learning process of Engage, Enquire and Evaluate. Throughout their time at St Botolph’s our children will explore many religions and increase their awareness of Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism and Humanism. The children develop their understanding of religious education through lessons, creative RE days, visits to places of worships (physical and virtual) and guest speakers (or online video contacts). The Emmanuel Project uses big questions as central to its approach. These questions are then explored in different ways and children are encouraged to ask their own questions throughout. Children at St Botolph’s are taught by teachers and teaching assistants who have a secure subject knowledge (supported by the Emmanuel Project resources and training) and are confident in helping them navigate and challenge cultural and religious stereotypes, prejudice and extremism.
IMPACT
Children at St Botolph's will be able to show tolerance and understanding of different beliefs and cultural values. They will demonstrate an increasing age-appropriate ability to reflect upon and learn from religion. By the end of their time here, children will have a secure understanding of the key beliefs and values of Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism and Humanism. Attainment and progress in RE should be in line with national averages for English and written work should be of the same high-quality standard. Pupils will demonstrate high levels of interest and enjoyment in RE.
Use of the Emmanuel Project resources consistently across the school will support members of staff to provide high quality, well-informed and engaging teaching in relation to each of the world religions.