Religious Education

Religious Education

"RE is like an iceburg. As you unpack ideas, you come to understand deeper meaning." RE quality Mark.

Religious education supports our pupils to value and respect their own beliefs and the values, beliefs and customs of the major world faiths. We believe that it is important for all our pupils to learn from and about religion, so that they can understand the world around them. The aim of Religious Education in our school is to help children to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in Great Britain; to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

It plays an important role, along with all other curriculum areas, particularly PSHCE, in promoting social awareness and understanding in our children. We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. We include and promote British values, ensuring that children are aware of their rights and responsibilities as UK citizens.

Our RE planning follows guidance from Exeter Diocese – as such we follow a scheme of work from the Devon Agreed Curriculum for RE (DACRE) and a set of resources called Understanding Christianity.  Across each key stage, a rolling two year programme has been carefully constructed to allow children to learn about other faiths (and those of no faith) as well as Christianity. Children are actively encouraged to ask the ‘Big Questions’ that bring about some fascinating discussions. Through Understanding Christianity, key tenets from both the Old and New testaments are readily accessible in an inspiring manner, with links to poetry, music and art to stimulate learning.

RE questions continue to link to key themes and celebrations in the Christian calendar and other world religions. British Values are a key strand of our Religious Education and underpin our learning.

Pupil Voice....

'I like learning about different celebrations and the cultures people have that are different from mine' 

'RE is good when we listen to stories that make you think about things'

'I like to know what other people believe, it helps me to think about what I want to believe in'

' Learning about other religions helps you learn about the world and understand other people's ideas'