RE
'Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.'
Seneca
'I like learning different things about other religions and beliefs' - Amelia
*Please note that we are currently in the process of reviewing and updating our curriculum progression documents - finalised versions will appear soon.*
Intent
At Princes Risborough Primary School our vision is to inspire our children to be thoughtful and inquisitive as they are learning about religion, belief, values and human life.
We aim to extend their knowledge of the principle religions and different worldviews, equipping them to answer challenging questions and to express their own ideas with sensitivity. We want them to be able to objectively select information and to give reasons for their views - always keeping in consideration the thoughts and beliefs of others. Our R.E lessons will reflect on the children’s experience of the world and the beliefs, values and attitude that guide them through life, We aim to contribute to community cohesion by engaging the whole school community in an exploration of identity and community in the local, national and global context.
We hope to see that, as the children are growing together, they come to value what is good, true and kind - developing our school values of perseverance, respect, possibilities and sharing.
Implementation
Our curriculum design is based on the Buckinghamshire Agreed Syllabus for RE, which states its core vision as:
“We seek to ensure that all pupils in our schools develop spiritually, academically, emotionally and morally. This helps them understand themselves and others and cope with the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities of living in a rapidly changing world."
Each year group will focus on 1-2 key questions per term. These questions will be explored through the main principle religions and worldviews. Each unit of work is planned using the following learning chunks:
1. Pupils’ Own Experience (Me, my friends and family)
2. Religious/Worldview Content – Investigate the key question through different religions.
3. Universal human experience – Respond and Reflect to the key question.
Throughout the school, the children will have the opportunity to reflect on their own sense of who they are and their uniqueness as a person, in a family and community as well as what they believe, what they think is important and how this influence their day to day lives. At the end of each term, the children will work together to answer the key question that they have been focusing on during that term. Lessons are taught weekly and curriculum content is also taught during special event days over the year to provide the pupils with engaging information and learning opportunities.
Links to the wider community are made to reflect the cultural make-up of the area, with visitors from leaders of different faiths in the area and reflection on local celebrations that take place in the town and beyond.
Impact
As we develop and promote a sense of shared community:
· Pupils will learn to describe key aspects of principle religions and worldviews using the areas outlined and questions provided by the framework.
· They will explore the similarities and differences between principle religions and worldviews.
· They will explore the nature, role and significance of religion and belief in the world and specifically in their own community.
· They will progressively develop key skills over the years in using and interpreting different information sources, extending their specialist vocabulary as they do so.
· They will reflect on their own sense of who they are and their uniqueness.
· They will reflect on what they believe, what they think is important and how this influences day-to-day living.
· As they move through the school they will learn to formulate opinions and handle controversial issues in order to discuss different beliefs and backgrounds.
· Pupils will ultimately learn to celebrate diversity and leave Princes Risborough Primary School recognising what we hold in common, respecting shared human values, while reflecting and maintaining their own faith and beliefs.