Why Teach RE?
Students should learn about the religions of the world to help them to become well rounded and tolerant citizens and be able to accept the perspective of another even if it differs from their own. They will also learn to think critically and have questions posed of them such as ‘if you could commit a crime and get away with it would you do it?’ (morality).
Curriculum Intent
- Develop knowledge of the main religions of the UK
- Develop a working knowledge of the concept of religion and its place in society
- Learn about some of the cultural and celebratory aspects of the main religions of the UK
- Reflect on others actions, both good and bad
- Develop an appreciation of consequential thinking
- Develop an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen in the UK
- Start to consider personal responsibility and rights and wrongs
- Develop skills to keep themselves safer in the community
Curriculum Implementation
In lower school students will:
- Take part in practical lessons aimed at exploring the key themes in a multi sensory way- making models/costumes for example ahead of festivals
- Prepare a portfolio documenting their opinions and findings, adding to this weekly.
- Take part in visits to churches and places of worship
- Start to form links between religion and rules
- Be guided/scaffolded to consider big topics such as right and wrong, victims, good and bad, kindness using age appropriate texts and short films, allowing time for discussion and questioning.
In upper school students will:
- Take part in practical lessons which are devised to encourage them to research and reflect and draw their own conclusions.
- Typical lessons will include a question or a topic for exploration or ask for a comparison
- Discuss and debate topics such as right and wrong, and identify the difference between something that is wrong and something that is illegal
- Reflect on their own choices
Curriculum Impact
In lower school students will be able to:
- List the components of organised religion
- State that the main religion in the UK is Christianity
- State some of the rules of at least one religion
- Identify what is meant by ‘respect’ and ‘democracy’
- State that crime is illegal and that consequences or punishment would normally follow
In upper school;
- Identify the differences and similarities of two religions
- Identify and state the main features of organised democracy
- Identify and state the need for society to have rules and where breaking them is criminal
- Reflect on the actions of others and highlight immoral or illegal actions
- Develop an appreciation of religion and morality in general and learn to question
- Listen to another’s perspective and respond appropriately and with respect