What will children learn?
At Thundersley Primary School our RE curriculum reflects the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, while taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain (Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism). Although Thundersley Primary School does not have a typically diverse catchment, we do have pupils of faiths other than Christianity so it is important that we place equal importance on these when teaching them and are mindful of unconscious bias that could come across to pupils. Our RE curriculum ensures the delivery of quality RE that informs pupils views of themselves and others, promotes diversity and equality, and stretches their understanding of the world they are growing up in.
How will children learn?
There is a strong emphasis on teaching RE in ways that will challenge pupils, engage their interest and curiosity and develop their capacity for both ethical reasoning and critical thinking. As an Academy, at Thundersley Primary School we teach RE following a scheme that builds on prior knowledge and deepens understanding. Each year group works from clear medium term planning with clear learning intentions, outcomes and high quality teaching activities which enable pupils’ time to reflect and embed their learning. The learning experiences are varied and include: discussion/debate, drama, group work, writing, drawing, research and handling artefacts. The religious content of assemblies is also carefully planned to ensure balanced representation of the main religions; including key festivals and celebrations, which ensures all members of our school community, from all faiths, feel recognised and valued. Key skills are developed and built upon as the pupils move up through the school.
What will children achieve?
By the time our children complete their journey at Thundersley Primary School they will:
- Form their own opinions about religious beliefs and customs and develop an understanding and tolerance of people who hold a strong faith.
- Enjoy learning about religion because it arouses their curiosity and develops positive skills and attitudes.
- Have developed a sense of awe and wonder about the world around them.
- Understand some of the impact of religion throughout the world, its influences on the lives of individuals and communities and its effect on the cultural diversity of their own and other societies both presently and in the past.
- Contribute to their social and moral development by developing a positive attitude and valuing the beliefs of others, however different from their own.
- Have developed knowledge and understanding of Christian and other major religions in Britain as a whole and in the local community.
- Have developed their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development by encouraging self-awareness and self-respect.
- Develop an awareness of their own and others’ identities.