Religious Education
Religious Education is unique in the school curriculum in that it is neither a core subject nor a foundation subject but 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’
Little Gaddesden C. of E. Primary School is a VA school therefore we deliver RE in line with the Locally Agreed Syllabus and with reference to resources from Understanding Christianity.
- provoke challenging questions
- encourage pupils to explore their own beliefs .
- enable pupils to build their sense of identity and belonging,
- teach pupils to develop respect for others,
- prompt pupils to consider their responsibilities
Religious Education at Little Gaddesden – Planning Overview
Religious Education at Little Gaddesden – Road Map
Church of England Education Office Statement of Entitlement
Most recent SIAMS report -2019
Intent
We want our pupils to be active, responsible citizens of a democratic and diverse society. Religious Education has a unique role in developing curiosity, understanding, and respect for others regardless of creed, culture or background. Through experiences and developing their own understanding our pupils will build their sense of identity and belonging to our community. They will gain life skills that will enable them, as they grow, to appropriately question and challenge injustice and discrimination. We promote British values, ensuring that children are aware of their rights and responsibilities as UK citizens.
It is important for pupils to learn from and about religions to help them better understand the world around them. In our school pupils acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in Great Britain. They will appreciate how faith can shape how people live, enabling them to make informed choices and judgments about their own spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Implementation
Our curriculum is designed using several key resources:
- The Church of England’s Understanding Christianity resource provides the planning and key learning activities for the Christianity-based topics within the curriculum.
- The Emmanuel Project resources provide the planning and key learning activities for all other faiths & secular topics.
- The Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus for RE 2023-2027 is referenced as an outline of the main concepts pupils learn.
Our curriculum also addresses non-religious views.
After reception class (EYFS), pupils are taught in mixed-age classes. We have designed a carefully sequenced curriculum, building on previous learning and understanding. Each year, at least half of the curriculum is Christianity-based. We expect our pupils to attain a thorough knowledge of and understanding of the Christian faith. They will regularly participate in Church Services led by our Vicar at our local church; St Peter and St Paul.
Other religions are studied as pupils move through the school. Where possible pupils will visit places of worship linked to the curriculum. They will have opportunities to understand and make links between the beliefs and values across a range of other faiths studied.
We take an enquiry approach that engages pupils with religious texts, religious practices and how people and communities live-out their faith.
Impact
We monitor impact using expected outcomes from the Emmanuel project in conjunction with those from Understanding Christianity. These are recorded via internal assessment mechanisms.
Our curriculum enables pupils to acquire knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs, attitudes, practices and rituals. They are able to evaluate and express what they have learnt whilst remaining considerate and respectful of others.
By promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils, they have a strong understanding of Christian values and are able to reflect on their own beliefs and spirituality. They show consideration of how these may impact their own lives.
Pupils are respectful, engaged and polite citizens when attending events in our local community and beyond. They are able to express opinions which are listened to and valued by others. They will also be aware that some people have no attachment to religious beliefs and follow secular philosophies
Pancake Day
