Religious Education
Intent
At Heather Garth we believe that Religious Education plays a significant role in the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Our intent is to deliver a curriculum which promotes an understanding of world religions, enables pupils to combat prejudice and to promote respect, sensitivity and cultural awareness. By the time they leave Heather Garth we intend that children will have the knowledge and skills to answer challenging questions and will have developed a good understanding of the numerous religious traditions, beliefs and practices that are followed in our multi-cultural society. They will be able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and the wider world and understand other people’s cultures and ways of life.
The curriculum makes links to the similarities and identifies differences of all religious beliefs so that pupils know more, remember more and understand more but is planned in such a way that it is accessible to all and maximises the outcomes for every child; allowing them to prepare for adult life.
Implementation
The curriculum is delivered in line with guidance from the Barnsley Local Agreed Syllabus 2020 and the planned programme of study builds on previous learning. The content of the RE curriculum reflects the fact that religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, whilst considering the teaching and practices of the other principle religious traditions represented in Great Britain.
In Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), RE is not taught as a discrete curriculum area however, early learning goals lead into RE attainment targets. R.E. can contribute to all seven areas of learning in the EYFS and it is taught through a range of themes such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, Christmas and Easter.
In KS1 and KS2 there is a systematic study of Christianity and the other 5 principal religions in the UK. These include Islam (Y1), Judaism (Y2), Islam (Y3), Hinduism (Y4), Buddhism (Y5), Sikhism (Y6).
Each programme of study is split into 6 key questions. These questions are designed to guide and shape pupils’ learning in RE across the years of schooling. Pupils begin to handle the key questions very simply, moving on to learn about and respond to religious objects and ideas, to describe for themselves, to analyse information, and increasingly to develop the ability to draw thoughtful and balanced conclusions.
Where appropriate, cross-curricular links are made to enhance and embed learning and to make learning memorable. Displays throughout school and school assemblies reinforce the RE curriculum which enables pupils to make links and use appropriate subject specific vocabulary.
Impact
We encourage our children to enjoy, be inspired by and value the curriculum we deliver. The quality of children’s learning is evident within books and the learning folders which show progression within each key question. It is also evident when speaking with the children. It is our aim that children leave our school with the knowledge and skills to answer challenging questions and a good understanding of the main religious traditions, beliefs and practices that are followed in our multi-cultural society. They will be able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and the wider world and understand, respect and be sensitive towards other people’s cultures and ways of life.
Please click on the links below to see the relevant documents.