Subject Progression
Intent of RE
The national curriculum for Religious Education aims to ensure that all pupils:
- develop skills of morality, critical thinking and reasoning by listening to others, hearing opinions and analysing conflicting viewpoints alongside a growing empathy and respect
- understand how religious identity and belonging are expressed, consider their own participation in groups and communities and recognise how religious traditions contribute to the cultural heritage in all its diversity
- grow in their personal development: spiritually, morally, culturally and mentally so they are well prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.
The Religious Education curriculum develops the priorities for pupils at Wolsingham Primary School in the following ways:
Basic skills –
Resilience and Perseverance –
Social Awareness –
Knowledge –
Religious Education in the Early Years
During the Early Years Foundation Stage, children will begin to explore the world of religion in terms of special people, books, times, places and objects and by visiting places of worship. They listen to and talk about stories. They will be introduced to religious words and concepts and use their senses in exploring religions and beliefs, practices and forms of expression. They reflect on their own feelings and experiences. They use their imagination and curiosity to develop their appreciation and wonder of the world in which they live. Topics such as Special Times, Special Objects, Special People, Special Books, Belonging, The Natural World, New Life, New Places, Story, provide excellent opportunities for foundation work in nursery and reception and can be successfully built on at Key Stage 1.
Impact of RE
Our RE curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to ensure progression. Children demonstrate a positive attitude towards people of any religion and show an understanding of cultural beliefs different to their own. They are respectful when meeting visitors from a variety of faith groups. We measure the impact of our curriculum by reflecting on the standards achieved against the planned outcomes and through pupil discussions about their learning, which includes discussion of their thoughts, ideas and opinions surrounding RE.
Implementation of RE
We follow the RE curriculum guidance given by Durham County Council Local Authority, who have designed a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds upon previous knowledge progressively. Children will have opportunities throughout their school life to visit local churches and events at other places of worship, which will enhance their cultural knowledge.
In Key Stage 1 and 2, the children are taught through the three elements of RE: knowledge and understanding of religion, critical thinking and personal reflection. At Key Stage 1, the children are introduced to the beliefs and features of Christianity and Buddhism. In Key Stage 2, the children develop their knowledge of Christianity and are introduced to the features of Hinduism, Judaism and Islam. They are also taught about other thematic concepts such as why people use ritual in their lives, how and why religious people show care for others and how those with a religious faith care for the environment. Long term plans ensure there is progression throughout the school and that the children build upon knowledge gained and skills developed in previous years.
Please click on the link below to see our more detailed Religious Education Curriculum.