Religious Education
Intent
At Castle Camps C of E Primary School we strive to deliver the highest quality Religious Education, encouraging children to question, reflect and empathise. We develop the children’s knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions and world views represented in the United Kingdom. We explore the influence of the beliefs, values and traditions on individuals, communities, societies and cultures. We encourage openness and resilience when wrestling with challenging questions and nurture a spirit of respect and kindness in our discussions. Children develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious issues, with reference to the principal religions and world views represented locally and in the United Kingdom. Children are given opportunities to express their ideas in creative ways. We find excitement and joy in the richness and variety of our ideas.
Implementation
RE at Castle Camps CE Primary School is based on the Cambridgeshire Agreed Syllabus. Children are taught in discreet RE lessons, which are sometimes delivered weekly and at other times delivered in a block. Children are taught about Christianity throughout the school, with progression in understanding ensured through use of the Suffolk-based Emmanuel scheme, supplemented by Understanding Christianity. Children will revisit key concepts of the main principles of Christianity at different stages of their learning. This can be seen on our long term plan, which also links the units to assessment statements.
In EYFS, the units are based on Christianity, but have links with other faiths. Faiths are introduced in more depth in Years 1 to 6, with all major faiths being covered more than once across school. Humanism is covered in Year 5/6 as a unit in its own right and referred to in other units. Progression in other world faiths is ensured through using the Suffolk based Emmanuel scheme. Units with similar themes across different faiths enable the children to develop the skills to enquire and investigate similarities and differences between key concepts in different faiths and beliefs. Children are encouraged to question their learning and are able to do this in a safe environment.
Impact
Work produced in RE books is of high quality and outcomes evidence a broad and balanced RE curriculum. It is evident that children have a love for learning and are excited to discover and reflect on new beliefs, views and traditions. As children progress throughout the school, they will develop a deep knowledge, understanding and appreciation of various beliefs, views, traditions and cultures.
RE will also contribute to children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development by allowing pupils to gain the knowledge and understanding to explore responses to life’s challenges. This gives pupils the knowledge and skills for them to flourish within their own community and as members of a diverse and global society. RE will play a vital role in preparing pupils for their future and lifelong learning, by developing their awareness of fundamental questions raised by human experience, giving them knowledge to respond to such questions and allowing pupils to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences.