St Andrew's C of E Primary School

RE

Intent

Here at St. Andrew’s, we are proud to be a church school, this is at the heart of our identity. We believe that it is vital for all our pupils to learn from and about Christianity and other world faiths, so that they can understand the world around them. Through Religious Education, pupils develop their knowledge of Christianity and other world faiths, and their understanding and awareness of the beliefs, values and traditions of other individuals, societies, communities and cultures. We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. Our Religious Education curriculum is enhanced further with trips to our local churches and other places of worship.

The principal aim of religious education is to explore what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that pupils can gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religion and belief, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living.

As part of the Diocese of Manchester, we follow the Diocesan syllabus which was launched in 2023. The revised syllabus provides a balance between Christianity and other religions and world views. This syllabus provides opportunity for the thematic study of religious belief and the development of the associated skills in this area, yet it also has planned opportunity for systematic study, approaching one religious tradition at a time. 

Implementation

Teachers are encouraged to give pupils as many first-hand sensory experiences as possible. Pupils need to see, hear, touch, taste and smell as they study Christianity and other world faiths. Pupils enjoy multi-sensory experiences of Easter and Christmas in our local churches. During Multi-Faith Week, pupils have a week of exploring other world faiths using art, drama, dance, music, food -tasting and special assemblies. Visiting experts, for example, Springs Dance Company, enhance the RE learning experience of the pupils.

Impact

Our Religious Education Curriculum is of a very high quality, well designed and is planned to encourage a journey of discovery. Children are encouraged to ask questions and discover more about themselves.

It is hoped that this approach will develop a depth of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, while encouraging curiosity, reflection and exploration of the ways in which people live, enabling our pupils to recognise the value of their communities and contribute to them living well together.

 In addition, we measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:

  • An assessment at the end of every term against the planned RE outcomes;
  • Celebration of learning in RE in class RE Scrapbooks which demonstrate progression across the school;
  • Pupil discussions about their learning;
  • Ethos Council –fundraising and raising the school’s profile;
  • Appropriate behaviour and responses during collective worship.
↑