Religious Education

Intent

At St Michael's the pupils and their families can expect an RE curriculum that enables pupils to acquire a rich, deep knowledge and understanding of Christian belief and practice, this should include the ways in which it is unique and diverse. Pupils can expect that teaching and learning in our school will use an approach that engages with biblical text and theological ideas. At St Michael’s Church of England (C) Primary School we develop the children’s knowledge and understanding of the major world faiths, and we address fundamental questions concerning, for example, the meaning of life and the existence of a divine spirit. We enable children to develop a sound knowledge not only of Christianity but also of other world religions such as Sikhism, Islam and Hinduism.

The objectives of teaching religious education in our school are to help children to:

• develop an awareness of spiritual and moral issues arising in their lives;
• develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other major world religions and value systems found in Britain;
• develop an understanding of what it means to be committed to a religious tradition;
• be able to reflect on their own experiences and to develop a personal response to the fundamental questions of life;
• develop an understanding of religious traditions and to appreciate the cultural differences in Britain today;
• develop investigative and research skills, and make reasoned judgements about religious issues;
• have respect for other people’s views, and celebrate the diversity in society.

Implementation

Our school curriculum for religious education meets the requirements of the 1988 Education Reform Act (ERA). The ERA stipulates that religious education is compulsory for all children, including those in the reception class who are less than five years old. The ERA allows parents to withdraw their child from religious education classes if they so wish, although only after they have given written notice to the school governors. The ERA also allows teachers to refuse to teach religious education, but only after they have given due notice of their intention to the school governors. The religious education curriculum forms an important part of our school’s spiritual, moral and social teaching. It also promotes education for PSHE.

High quality resources such as the Walsall Agreed Syllabus for RE and Understanding Christianity are used to deliver the RE curriculum. RE is taught on a weekly basis as a stand alone lesson.

As a church school the main religion we teach is Christianity.  However, we also study about Sikhism, Hinduism and Islam.

The Focus of RE in EYFS enables children to begin to explore their knowledge and understanding of Christian beliefs and to look at other religious and world views through the exploration of special places and special people. The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum supports children’s understanding of Religious Education through the planning and teaching of ‘Understanding the World’. Children are encouraged to use their imagination and curiosity to develop their appreciation of, and wonder at, the world in which they live

The Focus of RE for KS1 enables children to develop their knowledge and understanding of religions and world views. They find out about simple examples of religion that are drawn from local, national and global contexts. They learn to use basic subject specific vocabulary. They should raise questions and begin to express their own views in response to the material they learn about and in response to questions about their ideas.

 The Focus of RE for KS2 enables pupils to extend their knowledge and understanding of religions and world views, recognising their local, national and global contexts.  They should be encouraged to be curious and to ask increasingly challenging questions about religion, belief, values and human life. Pupils should learn to express their own ideas in response to the material they engage with, identifying relevant information, selecting examples and giving reasons to support their ideas and views. 

Impact

The impact of the RE curriculum will lead to outstanding progress over time across key stages relative to a child’s individual starting point and their progression of skills. Children will therefore be expected to leave St Michael's reaching at least age related expectations for RE. Pupils’ progress in RE is based on the expected outcomes outlined in the Agreed Syllabus and in Understanding Christianity, which in turn have been developed in line with guidance produced nationally.  Teachers use a range of assessment techniques to make judgments on children's progress and attainment.

Lessons are planned and delivered in a variety of ways ensuring that all children can access and participate in lessons. Interactive, practical activities encourage the children to discuss their ideas and extend their understanding of difficult concepts and challenging questions.

As a Christian school we hope to instil in children a sense of appreciation and respect for all religions and we provide children with opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development.

Subject Leader: Mrs Charlotte Birch

RE Link Governor: Mr John Maye