Religious Education

Intent

At Orion Mead Road, we believe that using an enquiry-based model well, children’s critical thinking skills can be developed, their motivation to learn increased, and their knowledge and understanding of, and empathy with people and their beliefs, religious or otherwise, will be enhanced. This approach takes very seriously the philosophy that children are free to make their own choices and decisions concerning religion and belief. RE does not try to persuade but rather to inform and develop the skills with which evaluation can take place. 

Although the teaching of RE is compulsory, The Education Act allows parents with other faiths the right to withdraw their children from RE lessons and from assemblies.  Parents are asked to contact the Headteacher in this regard and appropriate arrangements will be made to support the circumstances of each request.

Implementation

We ensure that each child receives quality and effective teaching in R.E. and we use the Discovery RE to support the teaching and ensure that we teach about important Religious festivals during assemblies, Nativity performances and by going on class trips to our local churches. In EYFS, children learn about religious festivals and how people celebrate these within their cultures and traditions. The programme is structured to provide knowledge and skills development, with application of these to the children’s lives within and beyond school. Our RE curriculum is progressive and sequential evidenced by the developmental learning intentions. Discovery RE uses assessment aimed at judging pupil knowledge, personal resonance, and critical thinking skills within the RE unit being taught.  Thoughtful questioning is used to deepen thinking about aspects of religion.

Impact

Children are confident when talking about different religions, cultures, and beliefs. During PSHE we discuss celebrating differences and having respect for all people with different belief and religions. The children use acquired vocabulary in lessons. They develop an understanding of the need to be respectful and tolerant of different beliefs. Children know how people of different religions may express themselves and will treat people equally regardless of background or beliefs. Children have the knowledge to answer questions about different religions. Children use their knowledge of different religions to develop their own understanding. They also know that different religions have sacred books, places and artefacts and understand how these are important to each religion.