Religious education has a unique place as a central subject in the curriculum of St John’s. It is neither a core nor a foundation subject; the 1988 Education Act states that ‘Religious Education has equal standing in relation to core subjects of the National Curriculum in that it is compulsory for all registered pupils’. We also understand the importance of the Church of England ‘RE Statement of Entitlement’.
When considering matters of Religious Education, it is important for all the school community to reflect, considering our vision statement, ‘Sharing joy and hope in the community’; along with the school values Respect, Compassion, Friendship, Service and Endurance. Through this we will ensure we are guided into good decisions to support all those in the St John’s community.
Intent
Through our Religious Education curriculum, we aim to:
Engage pupils in enquiring into and exploring questions arising from the study of religion and belief, so as to promote their personal, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, whilst contributing to British values.
Provide learners with knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other principal religious traditions and beliefs represented in Great Britain.
Explore core beliefs using an approach that critically engages with biblical text.
Develop understanding of the ways in which beliefs influence people in their behaviour, practices and outlook.
Offer a challenging and diverse curriculum.
Enable learners to apply the insights of the principal religious traditions to their own search for identity and significance.
Enable learners to become aware of their own beliefs and values and to have a positive attitude to the search for meaning and purpose in life.
Encourage learners to develop a positive attitude towards other people who hold religious beliefs different from their own.
Our five School Values (Compassion, Service, Friendship, Endurance and Respect) are woven within all lessons including RE, as well as our every-day life, both in and around school.
Implementation
We ensure that we comply with the legal requirements by following the Locally Agreed Syllabus (SACRE) – ‘AMV Somerset 2019’. Time spent on RE is between 5-10% of the curriculum timetable. 50% of our RE is Christianity, with the other 50% learning about other religions.
Clear planning with progression and assessment opportunities is taught through using and adapting the AMV Somerset exemplar lessons on a weekly basis. It may be delivered through a class topic, trips or as a whole-school RE day. Teachers may develop their own key questions linked to the themes in the syllabus, allowing links with other subject areas where appropriate.
Lessons are planned and delivered in a variety of ways ensuring that all children can access and participate in lessons. Interactive, practical activities encourage pupils to discuss their ideas and develop their understanding of difficult concepts and challenging questions.
Pupils’ progress in RE is based on the expected outcomes, as outlined in the AMV assessment guidance.
Evidence of learning from each class is collated in a big book and displayed in each class.
We track individual pupil’s progress, whilst also bearing in mind that the statements do not cover all aspects of teaching and learning in RE. For example, pupil’s personal views and ideas are not subject to formal assessment, and yet are central to good RE.
Impact
Religious Education at St John’s develops children’s:
Religious Education at St John’s encourages pupils to…
Religious Education at St John’s enhances pupils’…
Religious Education at St John’s offers…
Religious Education in the Early Years
As well as following our school values, Reception children at St John’s, are nurtured through the four principles of the EYFS.
In the Early Years, R.E. is explored through the new 2021 Framework strands of:
We follow and plan from the exemplification units from our locally agreed syllabus (SACRE) – ‘AMV Somerset 2019’.
Pupil progress is based on the expected outcomes, as outlined in the agreed syllabus assessment guidance.
Evidence of work from Bramble Class is collated in a big book and displayed in class.
Over the year, children develop an awareness and initial understanding of: