Intent
We value the importance of offering a range of relevant opportunities to support children to become respectful and tolerant citizens. This will enable them to understand the responsibilities of modern culture when growing up in a contemporary society. By the time they leave Dallington all children will have developed their knowledge of the world faiths and their understanding and awareness of the beliefs, values and traditions of other individuals, societies, communities and cultures. Through this knowledge they will have developed an empathetic, understanding and tolerant outlook on the world and it’s people.
We use the Understanding Christianity Scheme alongside the agreed East Sussex Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education as the basis for our curriculum.
Implementation
Our RE overview is carefully planned to cover the key themes of Christianity alongside the Christian Values of our school. In addition to this we explore other religions and their beliefs and practises. RE is taught through an enquiry based approach and each unit has a key question for the children to discuss and focus on throughout. Their changing responses to these key questions helps teachers to monitor and assess progress. Through their work they will be developing an understanding and appreciation for the expression of beliefs, cultural practices and influence of principle religions and worldviews in the local, national and wider global community. A variety of stimuli will be used to engage, motivate and contextualise children’s learning including artefacts, images and food. Questioning will challenge the children and support them to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences.
In addition, throughout the year we celebrate and explore major world festivals to encourage the children to learn and appreciate the wider global community. In recent years, we have celebrated: Sukkot, Christmas, Divali and Holi.
Key English skills can be utilized within Religious Education by applying them in new ways, reinforcing and developing concepts such as poetry. Creative skills such as art and music should be used to allow children to develop their self-expression and reflect on their learning.
Impact
Through the well-planned and thoughtful teaching of RE, children will leave with good knowledge of the rich culture of faiths and traditions of the world and a deeper understanding of their own beliefs and values.