RE

Intent

At Maidwell Primary, 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 all principal religions represented in Great Britain;
• appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and behaviour;
• develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues;
• enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Religious Education is taught throughout the school in such a way as to reflect the overall aims, values, and philosophy of the school. It plays an important role, along with all other curriculum areas, particularly RHE, 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 curriculum is designed to encourage creativity, imagination, enquiry, debate, discussion and independence.

Implementation

We use the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education developed by West Northants Council as the basis for our curriculum.  (https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/early-years-schools-and-education/religious-education)  In addition, we use resources from Cornerstones to supplement our lessons as appropriate.

There are no presumptions made as to the religious backgrounds, beliefs and values of the children and the staff.  We value the religious background of all members of the school community and hope that this will encourage individuals to share their own experiences with others freely.  All religions and their communities are treated with respect and sensitivity and we value the links, which are, and can be made, between home, school, and a faith community. 

We acknowledge that each religion studied can contribute to the education of all our pupils.  We promote teaching in Religious Education that stresses open enquiry and first-hand experiences wherever possible for both staff and children.

Religious Education is a statutory subject of the curriculum for all pupils in each year group. Parents have the right to request that their son or daughter be excused from all or part of the RE provided at school. Any such request should be submitted in writing to the Headteacher.

Impact

The children at Maidwell Primary enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose, or choose not, to follow a religion. Through their RE learning, the children are able to make links between their own lives, those of others in their community and in the wider world, developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life. As such, RE is invaluable in an ever changing and shrinking world.