Intent
Our principle aim of RE is to engage pupils in systematic enquiry into significant human questions which religion and worldviews address, so that they can develop the understanding and skills needed to appreciate and appraise varied responses to these questions, as well as develop responses of their own. The children will learn about and understand a range of religions and worldviews. They will be encouraged to express ideas and insights about nature, significance and impact of religions and worldviews. They will gain and deploy skills needed to engage seriously with religious and worldviews.
We make RE lessons an enjoyable experience which engenders an interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity. By following the Worcestershire syllabus, children will develop an understanding of the influence of beliefs, values and traditions on individuals, communities, societies and cultures, from local to global. We welcome and celebrate diversity, are sensitive to the home background of each child and work to ensure that all pupils feel secure to voice their opinions through group discussions.
The schools’ curriculum for RE is a vehicle for delivering some aspects of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education (SMSC), but SMSC also permeates across and underpins the school’s wider curriculum. Throughout their time at school, children will have opportunities to visit a range of places of worship and meet with visitors who represent the diverse cultures that we live in.
We are proud that by the time our children leave for further education they will have developed positive attitudes of respect towards other people who hold views and beliefs different from their own, and towards a society of diverse religions and beliefs as well as an ability to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences.
We feel it is important our children develop the ability to become open minded global citizens. As The Right Hon, Michael Gove, former Secretary of State for Education wrote in the 2013 RE Review and new ‘non-statutory’ National Curriculum Framework for RE:
“All children need to acquire core knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of the religions and worldviews which not only shape their history and culture but which guide their own development. The modern world needs young people who are sufficiently confident in their own beliefs and values that they can respect the religious and cultural differences of others, and contribute to a cohesive and compassionate society.”