Religious Education Policy
Under the 1996 Education Act, Religious Education is part of the basic curriculum for all pupils. It ‘provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life. It develops knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principle religions… and encourages pupils to develop their sense of identity and belonging. It enables them to flourish individually within their community as citizens of a pluralistic and global community.’ (QCA 2004)
Lockington C.E. Primary School, recognising its historic foundation, will preserve its religious character in accordance with Christian beliefs and practice whilst cultivating a sensitive and respectful attitude to other world faiths.
‘Religious Education is a vital part of the formation of all young people. It is integral to a full understanding of themselves and their world. It plays a key role in enabling the development of young people’s spiritual nature and encourages them in a search for spiritual truth.’ (Archbishop of York 2001)
Aims
(The aims are drawn from ‘Aims of Religious Education in Schools’, as outlined in the East Riding of Yorkshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2005)
‘Through R.E. we aim to contribute to the development of Young People’s beliefs and values and to develop their knowledge and understanding of religion.
R.E. involves:
exploring and evaluating how beliefs and values affect the individual’s way of life
developing a knowledge and understanding of beliefs, practices and institutions of Christianity and other major religions
analysing and evaluating the status and function of religion in human societies
investigating religions and other interpretations of ‘human experience’
Within the East Riding Syllabus the word ‘Religion’ usually refers to the living faiths of the world.
R.E. involves the whole personality:
personal beliefs will be explored
self understanding may be gained
self identity may be fashioned
knowledge will be acquire
skills will be developed
positive attitudes are to be encouraged
emotions may be explored
Religious Education should be enjoyable and contribute to the growth of self esteem.’
Through the two Attainment Targets, (AT1 Knowledge and Understanding; AT2 Reflection and Response) we aim to develop the children’s knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of Christianity and other major world religions. (These will be Judaism at Key Stage 1 and Judaism and Islam at Key Stage 2). We aim also to develop the ability to reflect upon, respond to and evaluate ideas.
Objectives
Within the framework of the Agreed Syllabus we aim to develop:
investigative skills of
explaining situations
looking for meanings
raising questions
assessing evidence
hypothesising
observing
recording etc.
reflective skills of
quietly thinking
reflecting
considering the beliefs of others
developing a sense of wonder
Organisation
Key Stage 1 (Reception, Years 1 and 2) is taught together on a two year rolling programme.
Key Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6) are taught together on a two year rolling programme of topics but with a different focus for alternating two yearly programmes.
Time Allocation
We follow the legal requirement laid down by the Education Reform Act and provide one hour of religious education each week.
It is the decision of the teacher, considering the needs of the children, whether the hour is taught in shorter periods or is blocked to provide a concentrated focus.
Teaching and Learning
A long-term plan is in place, which follows the guidelines, suggested in the East Riding Syllabus.
Lessons are based on the medium term plans provided by the authority thus ensuring continuity and progression.
Early Years’ work is based on the scheme of work for the Foundation Stage produced by the East Riding and based on their Agreed Syllabus.
Whenever appropriate, cross-curricular links are made. (See below)
Inclusion
A modified R.E. curriculum may be required for pupils who are identified as having a special need.
No child will be excluded from R.E. on the grounds of gender or disability.
Withdrawal
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and a request to do so should be made in writing to the head-teacher. Children will be provided with alternative work by their class teacher.
Resources
See Appendix i)
ICT
There are video programmes available in R.E. and the children may use the Internet for researching information.
Cross Curricular Links
Although we recognise that Religious Education is a subject in its own right, we also take account of the clear links what can be made with other subjects and where possible outline these in the planning.
There is a clear link with language and literacy as children:
· express ideas and beliefs through the spoken word
· express their feelings through poetry and prose
· study religious writings and special books from many faiths with art
· investigating pattern and colour in religious art
· investigating how famous artists express their faith with geography and history
· learning about other cultures, times and places with PSCHE
· raising self esteem by placing importance on own beliefs
· providing an opportunity to discuss special times in their lives
· explore relationships with other people
· discuss and reflect upon problems, their own and those of the wider world
R.E. provides an opportunity for children to express themselves through art, drama, music and dance and this is an important element of AT2.
Health and Safety
Pupils are expected to use materials and tools safely in accordance with health and safety guidelines.
Care must be taken when candles are being used or lit in any area of the school.
Assessment, Recording and Reporting
Children will be assessed on at least one AT1 and one AT2 each year. It may be that teachers focus on a different group of children for each unit of work or assess the class as a whole. Core objectives which may be assessed are highlighted in the medium term plan.