Because we are a Rights Respecting School we endeavour to make sure that children have this right
met via articles 14, 28 and 29.
14: Every child has the right to choose their own religion and beliefs.
28: Every child has the right to a good quality education.
29: Education should help children to develop their talents and abilities. It should also help children to
learn to live peacefully, protect the environment and respect other people.
Aims
Religious Education is an important element in the broad and balanced curriculum that Shotton Hall Primary
aims to provide. It supports and strengthens the vision, ethos and values which we aspire to achieve. The
importance placed on the development of the whole child spiritually, morally, socially, culturally and
intellectually is reflected in the R.E curriculum. R.E aims to enable children of all abilities and stages of
development to:
● Develop knowledge and understanding of Christian beliefs and practices so that they understand
the importance of the Bible, the role of the church and recognise that for Christians their faith
provides a way of interpreting life and its meaning.
● Develop knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of some of the other principal
religions in Britain.
● Understand how belief may impact on culture, relationships, values and lifestyle.
● Understand how belief can be expressed in a variety of ways including art, dance, music, ritual
celebration and in different cultural settings.
● Develop spiritually, morally, culturally and socially by helping them to reflect upon personal
feelings, responses and relationships.
● Explore ways in which religious values and teaching have an impact on actions and decisions for
people of faith
● Be supported in their own search for meaning and purpose in life.
● Develop a sense of awe, wonder and mystery.
● Explore concepts of love, forgiveness and sacrifice.
● Develop skills of reflection, empathy, communication, analysis, investigation, interpretation,
evaluation and synthesis.
● Develop attitudes of respect, sensitivity, open-mindedness and self-esteem.
Teaching and Learning
Shotton Hall Primary School uses the Durham County Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (2012) as a foundation for a two year mixed age curriculum. The RE curriculum has also been adapted to suit the needs of learners within school and so therefore devotes more time to the study of Islam than is outlined in the Durham County Syllabus, whilst also retaining Christianity as the core religion of the curriculum. There is also greater emphasis placed on the comparing and contrasting of religions in order to deepen children’s understanding. The RE curriculum at Shotton Hall Primary School allows children to gain a deep knowledge and understanding of the teachings, practices and life stories expressed in a variety of ways within Christianity and other principal religions and world views.
The curriculum is based upon the three elements of R.E – Knowledge and Understanding of Religion, Critical Thinking and Personal Reflection. Through reflection of their own beliefs and values in the light of their learning, children grow in respect for themselves and others. The scheme of work for RE aims to maintain a balance between the two attainment targets: Learning about Religions and Learning from Religions. This includes developing children’s knowledge and understanding of Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity as well as other world views.
There are clear learning outcomes for all units of work, based on the appropriate expectations as set out in the RE syllabus. The scheme of work ensures that there is continuity and progression for pupils and provides opportunities for assessment. A range of teaching and learning activities ensures that pupils learn effectively and with interest. Pupil progress and attainment in R.E is tracked and recorded termly. R.E is taught as a discrete subject with 5% of the curriculum time although links with other curriculum areas are encouraged where appropriate e.g. local study, art, literacy and RRSA.
The school encourages R.E visits and visitors where appropriate in accordance with topics covered. Long term curriculum plans are made available to all teachers which they follow when planning lessons.
Right of Withdrawal
R.E is taught to all pupils except for those who are withdrawn by their parents. Parents are informed of their
rights to withdraw their children from all or part of R.E. The Head Teacher will meet with any parent who
wishes to withdraw their child from R.E to discuss provision.
Subject Leadership
The R.E subject leader is responsible for the leadership and management of R.E and will support and monitor
the quality of RE teaching across the school. The R.E subject leader will liaise with the governor who holds
responsibility for R.E who will then report regularly to the governing body.
The importance of R.E
R.E provokes challenging questions about:
● The ultimate meaning and purpose of life
● Beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality
● Issues of right and wrong
● What is means to be human
R.E challenges pupils to:
● Reflect on, consider, analyse, interpret and evaluate issues of belief, truth claims, faith and ethics
● Communicate their responses
R.E enhances pupils’ awareness and understanding of:
● Religions and beliefs, teachings, practices and forms of expression
● The influence and impact of religion on individuals, families, communities and cultures
R.E offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development by encouraging children to:
● Learn from different religions, beliefs, values and traditions while exploring their own beliefs and
questions of meaning
● Develop their sense of identity and belonging
R.E has an important role in preparing pupils for adult life, lifelong learning and employment by enabling them
to:
● Flourish individually within their communities and as citizens in a pluralistic society and global
community
● Develop respect for and sensitivity towards others, in particular those whose faith and beliefs are
different from their own
● Develop discernment and combat prejudice
● Celebrate diversity
