RE Curriculum:

Curriculum Information

The Agreed Syllabus for religious education (RE) in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton is Living Difference IV. 

Informed by current educational research, as well as research into religion and worldviews, it builds on the approach to religious education used in Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton since 2004. This revision demonstrates the ongoing and fruitful partnership that exists between the four authorities, ensuring a syllabus capable of securing high-quality religious education for all children and young people who encounter it, at this point in history.

Our RE curriculum is fully inclusive of religions and beliefs, however please note that whilst schools have to teach RE, parents have a right to withdraw their child/ren for all or part of the lessons. If you wish to discuss this further, please contact the Headteacher via the school office. 

Intent 

• 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 Christianity and three other principal religions represented in Great Britain, Judaism, Hinduism and Islam; to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
• It plays an important role, along with all other curriculum areas, particularly PSHE, 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 enquiry, contextualisation, evaluation, communication and application of each topic area.

Implementation

• Each half term children study one unit of R.E. These units are planned to ensure there is a breadth and variety across the school. Each unit has a focus: A concepts- examples of concepts common to all people, B concepts- examples of concepts shared by many religions or C concepts- examples of concepts distinctive to particular religions.
• RE is taught as a 'block.' In YR, Y1 and Y2, RE is taught in a block that lasts for at least one day. In KS2, RE is taught in a block that lasts for at least one and a half days.
• There are no presumptions made as to the religious backgrounds and 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 are extremely fortunate that we are located next to the village church, St. Peter’s; we use the church and its grounds as part of both our RE and general curriculum and the vicar of St. Peter’s, Gregg Mensingh, is a regular visitor to the school. 

Impact

• The children enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose, or choose not to follow a religion.
• Children enjoy learning about other religions by reading stories linked to differenet cultures and traditions. 
• Through their R.E. learning, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world, developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life