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 EYFS to Year 6, is collated in class big books which are displayed in each classroom.

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, ideas and spirituality are not subject to formal assessment, and yet are central to good RE.

Impact

Religious Education at St John’s develops children’s:

• Knowledge and understanding of, and ability to respond to, Christianity, other principal world religions, religious traditions and world views.
• Understanding and respect for different religions, beliefs, values and traditions (including ethical life stances), through exploring issues within and between faiths.
• Understanding of the influence of faith and belief on individuals, societies, communities and cultures.
• Skills of enquiry and response through the use of religious vocabulary, questioning and empathy.
• Skills of reflection, expression, application, analysis and evaluation of beliefs, values and practices, and the communication of personal responses to these.

Religious Education at St John’s encourages pupils to…

• Consider challenging questions of the meaning and purpose of life; beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human.
• Understand the influence of religion on individuals, families, communities and cultures.
• Learn from different religions, beliefs, values and traditions while exploring questions of meaning and their own beliefs.
• Learn about religious and ethical teaching, enabling them to make reasoned and informed responses to religious, moral and social issues.
• Develop their sense of identity and belonging, preparing them for life as citizens in a plural, global society.
• Develop respect for and sensitivity to others, in particular those whose faiths and beliefs are different from their own.

Religious Education at St John’s enhances pupils’…

• Awareness and understanding of religions and beliefs, teachings, practices and forms of expression.
• Ability to reflect on, consider, analyse, interpret and evaluate issues of truth, belief, faith and ethics and to communicate their responses.

Religious Education at St John’s offers…

• Opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development.

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.

• A Unique Child.
• Positive Relationships.
• Enabling Environments.
• Learning and Development.

In the Early Years, R.E. is explored through the new 2021 Framework strands of:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Understanding the World

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. 

Over the year, children develop an awareness and initial understanding of:

• Who we are
• Christmas and Hannukah
• Church and Synagogue buildings
• Easter and Passover
• Special stories – God, Creation and Jesus