RE Curriculum

At Whitburn Village Primary School, we believe that it is vital for all children to learn from and about religion, so that they can understand the world and diversity around them. Through R.E, children develop their knowledge of world faiths, values, beliefs and cultures. Most importantly, we also emphasise that everyone needs to respect each other for who they are no matter what their religion. Religious Education also has a significant role in the development of children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. It promotes respect and open-mindedness towards others with different faiths and beliefs and encourages children to develop their sense of identity and belonging through self-awareness and reflection. Through our teaching of R.E at Whitburn Village Primary, we want children to develop skills such as discernment, critical thinking and reasoning.

RE gives opportunities for children to listen to others, hear and analyse conflicting viewpoints and develop empathy and respect. It is our intent for the Religious Education curriculum to engage, inspire, challenge and encourage children, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to answer challenging questions, explore different religious beliefs, values and traditions and develop understanding of the numerous religious traditions, beliefs and practices that are followed in our multi-cultural society. We want them to know how an understanding of and knowledge of religion enables children to combat prejudice, preparing them for adult life, employment and life-long learning. Our children are encouraged to develop an aptitude for dialogue so that they can participate positively in our society, with its diverse religions and worldviews.

R.E. is closely aligned with PSCHE and SMSC and enhances the drive for personal growth including the ability to make informed personal choices, reflect on their own beliefs and cultural practices, develop a moral compass and have empathy with and understanding of the views of others. They will broaden their realisation of the impact religious views and beliefs have upon the modern world.

At Whitburn Village Primary School, RE is based on 3 main elements:

• Knowledge and Understanding of Religion
• Critical Thinking
• Personal Reflection

Knowledge and Understanding of Religion

The children will develop knowledge and understanding of what is meant by religion and the term ‘religious and non-religious worldviews and the impact these have for individuals and communities. It involves investigation of and enquiry into the nature of religion and differing belief systems. The children will develop their knowledge and understanding of ways in which religious and non-religious views are similar to and different from each other.

Critical Thinking 

Critical thinking requires children to use reason to analyse and evaluate the claims that religious and non-religious worldviews make. Through learning in this way, children have the opportunity to give opinions, support their ideas with reason, consider alternative arguments, weigh up evidence and listen to and respond to the views of others, so developing the ability to articulate their own views and form their own opinions. Critical thinking requires the children to be open minded and to value the varied reasons and ideas people use when exploring an issue and giving their views. These views can be based on a variety of resources and can include personal experience and intuition.

Personal Reflection 

Personal reflection develops the children’s ability to reflect on religious and non-religious worldviews in relation to their own beliefs, values and experiences and the influence of these on their daily life, attitudes and actions. Children can make personal progress through reflection, empathy, developing respect and appreciation of others but this should not be assessed by teachers. Personal Reflection in RE makes a significant contribution to children’s spiritual, moral, social
and cultural development.

The worldviews studied are: 

• Christianity
• Judaism
• Hinduism
• Sikhism 
• Islam

Experiences and enrichment opportunities 

• Handling artefacts
• Exploring sacred texts
• Using drama to express feelings and ideas
• Responding to images, stories, art, music and dance
• Meeting visitors from local religious communities
• Making visits to religious places of worship where possible
• Whole school assemblies and events

We have introduced the use of ‘Floor Books’ into RE for the children in Year 1 – Year 4. This book will capture the essence of our curriculum and will create a reference for our children to use throughout the year. The floor book will demonstrate our learning and first hand experiences. The children in Years 5 and 6 will record their learning in an exercise book. 

Early Years Foundation Stage 

During the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), RE may be taught as part of whole class topics or themes. The Agreed Syllabus uses the following themes to explore religion: Special, Belonging. Children will explore these ideas through topics such as special times, objects, people and books, how we show belonging, the natural world and new life. Children are introduced to the idea of special days and festivals within religions, how these are celebrated by the faith communities both within the home and within the wider community. This provide excellent opportunities for RE foundation work in Nursery and Reception and can be successfully built on at Key Stage 1.

As a result of our intent and implementation, the children at Whitburn Village Primary learn how to ask questions, look at evidence, reflect upon their own ideas, but be open and tolerant of the ideas and views of others. They will have learnt about the major religious and non-religious world views, the key texts, beliefs, sources, practices and ways of life, forms of expression and identity and belonging. They will begin to understand how religion has influenced humanities search for meaning and purpose. They will have observed and investigated religious practices within a range of context both geographical and historical and considered how they continue to shape the world in which they live. We have the highest aspirations for our children and strive to ensure their attainment is in line with, or exceeds, their potential when their starting point is taken into consideration.

 The RE subject leader is responsible for monitoring the quality of teaching and learning for the subject. They will conduct subject assessments on a termly basis, which will include a mixture of the following: 

• Learning walks 
• Work scrutiny 
• Staff voice 
• Pupil Voice

The subject leader will create annual subject reports for the Head teacher and governing board to report on the quality of the subjects. They will also work regularly and consistently with the Head teacher and RE link governor, e.g. through yearly review meetings, to evaluate the effectiveness of the subject and implement any changes.

Ultimately, our children will develop skills and attributes they can use beyond school and into adulthood.