Religious Education (RE)

Religious Education (RE) Curriculum: Intent

At Blakenall Heath Junior School, the intent of our Religious Education (RE) curriculum is to provide a rich and diverse learning experience that equips our pupils with the knowledge, understanding, and skills to appreciate and respect different religious and non-religious beliefs within our multi-faith society. We aim to foster a sense of cultural sensitivity, tolerance, and empathy towards others, promoting harmony, acceptance, and mutual understanding.

We believe that RE plays a crucial role in the holistic development of our pupils, enabling them to explore their own beliefs, values, and spirituality, and encouraging critical thinking, open-mindedness, and ethical decision-making. Through our RE curriculum, we aspire to nurture well-rounded individuals who demonstrate empathy, respect, and a deep appreciation for the diversity of religious, moral, and philosophical perspectives present in our society.

Religious Education (RE) Curriculum: Implementation

Curriculum Design and Planning

Our RE curriculum is designed to be progressive, coherent, and inclusive. It is aligned with the locally agreed syllabus and reflects the legal requirements for RE outlined in section 375 of the Education Act 1996. Our curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains relevant, engaging, and responsive to our pupils' needs and the communities they belong to. We have clear long-term and short-term planning that enables a balanced coverage of different religious traditions in a given year.

Lesson Delivery and Pedagogy

Lessons are taught in a safe, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating environment, where open discussion and respectful debate are actively encouraged. Our teaching staff use a variety of teaching strategies and resources to cater to the diverse learning needs of our pupils, including visits to places of worship, inviting guest speakers from various religious backgrounds, and employing a range of multimedia materials.

We promote active learning, encouraging pupils to think critically, ask probing questions, and engage in independent research. We facilitate opportunities for cooperative learning, ensuring pupils work collaboratively to develop their understanding, appreciating the perspectives of others. The use of drama, art, music, and ICT is also integrated to enrich the learning experience and enable creative expression.

Inclusion and Differentiation

Our RE curriculum is inclusive and supports the needs of all pupils, regardless of their background or abilities. We personalize learning experiences to ensure equal access and engagement. We provide appropriate support for pupils with additional needs or English as an Additional Language, adapting resources and tasks accordingly.

We promote strong community links, inviting parents, local religious leaders, and representatives from diverse faith communities to contribute to the teaching of RE. We value parental involvement and recognize the importance of their role in supporting their child's learning about different religious and non-religious beliefs.

Assessment

Formative assessment is an integral part of our RE teaching and learning process. We use a variety of assessment methods, such as questioning, discussions, pupil self-assessment, and peer assessment, to gauge pupils' knowledge and understanding. We provide timely and constructive feedback that guides pupils to reflect on their learning and make progress. We maintain a comprehensive record of each pupil's achievements, highlighting areas of strength and areas for development.

Religious Education (RE) Curriculum: Impact

The impact of our outstanding RE curriculum can be seen through the following outcomes:

1. Knowledge and Understanding: Pupils will possess a deep and nuanced knowledge of various religions, non-religious beliefs, and philosophical ideas, enabling them to make informed comparisons and connections between different systems of belief.

2. Tolerance and Empathy: Pupils will demonstrate a high level of cultural sensitivity, tolerance, and empathy towards others' religious and non-religious beliefs, fostering a harmonious and respectful school community.

3. Critical Thinking and Ethical Awareness: Pupils will think critically, examining religious and moral concepts and applying them to real-life situations, promoting ethical decision-making and understanding of the relevance of religion in contemporary society.

4. Personal Development: Pupils will develop a reflective and spiritual dimension to their personal growth, exploring their own beliefs and values while respecting the beliefs of others, leading to an enhanced sense of identity and well-being.

5. Community Engagement: Pupils will actively participate in and contribute to the wider community, demonstrating an understanding and appreciation of the diversity within their local communities and the wider UK society.

Through rigorous evaluation and continuous improvement, we ensure that our RE curriculum achieves its intended outcomes, fostering outstanding levels of religious literacy, cultural understanding, and respect for diversity among our pupils.

Right to Withdraw 

Under Section 25 of the Education Act 1996, parents/carers have the right to ask that their children be withdrawn from Religious Education and assemblies.

If you want to withdraw your child from RE lessons and assemblies we would encourage you to contact the Headteacher to discuss the matter and to negotiate alternative arrangements.

If you want further information about the curriculum content your child is covering please  speak to your child's class teacher or call the school office to arrange an appointment to see the subject leader, Mrs Bayley.