Intent

At St. Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School the Religious Education curriculum plays an integral role in defining the school’s distinctive Christian character. We believe that Religious education in a Church school should enable every child to flourish and to live life in all its fullness. (John 10:10) We believe that a high quality sequential RE programme is essential in order to prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in modern Britain. At St. Bartholomew’s our RE curriculum plays a significant role in developing and promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Our pupils are encouraged to have an open mind, ask questions, explore, engage and reflect on a wide range of religious beliefs and practices.

Central to Religious Education is the study of Christianity as a living and diverse faith, focused on the teaching of Jesus and the Church. RE lessons provide learners with knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other principal religious traditions and beliefs represented in Great Britain. We aim to develop their understanding of the ways in which beliefs influence people in their behaviour, practices and outlook and enable learners to apply the insights of the principal religious traditions to their own search for identity and significance. The Religious Education curriculum is underpinned by the schools adopted Christian Values: Love, Trust, Compassion and Forgiveness. Through our sequenced learning about a range of religions and worldviews we teach children to foster respect and appreciation towards other people who hold religious beliefs different from their own. ​We teach our children to be caring, compassionate, loving individuals who follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Whilst also developing resilient learners, who seek ways to overcome challenges in the knowledge that all things are possible through God.

Implementation

RE is planned in accordance with the Lichfield Diocese Board of Education Guidance (2017). Lessons are taught weekly and are planned to incorporate the Understanding Christianity scheme and the LBDE scheme. The curriculum covers: Christianity, Islam and Sikhism and fosters pupils’ inquisitive nature. RE lessons explore key concepts and questions, with each unit begins with ‘The Big Question’ to encourage pupils to reflect and ask questions of their own to help drive their learning forward. This ‘Big Question’ is referred to regularly during lessons to enable pupils to see how their learning and understanding is progressing throughout each topic. Engaging topic front covers are also used to ensure pupils are clear of the key vocabulary and skills, which are covered during each unit. Pupils use these at the end of each unit to assess their knowledge, understanding and skills and both teachers and subject leaders are able to use these as a way of moving the learning forward. Key questions and vocabulary are displayed in the classroom so pupils can refer to these during lessons. Our skills progression shows staff how to move the learning forward for each key area of RE to ensure that pupils’ are building on key skills thus allowing them to further their knowledge and understanding.

Our RE curriculum enables pupils to acquire a rich, deep knowledge and understanding of Christian belief and practice. High quality resources and texts are used and staff are encouraged to use a hands on approach to learning. Pupils are encouraged to handle religious artefacts and they are taught the importance of doing so respectfully. There are opportunities for pupils to understand the role of foundational texts, beliefs, rituals, and practices and how they help form identity in a range of religions and worldviews. Pupils also explore how these may change in different times, places and cultures. Pupils are provided with opportunities to meet visitors from different faiths and the school has strong links with our local church of St. Bartholomew’s. Visitors from other denominations of Christianity are also warmly welcomed and encouraged. Where visits are not possible, pupils are encouraged to use videos and the internet to enhance their learning. Each year we hold a ‘Diwali’ celebration day where pupils are encouraged to dress in traditional clothes and join in with a range of different activities and opportunities. Each class has a Worship area and reflection diaries which enables pupils to develop their own spirituality throughout their journey at St Bartholomew’s.

Impact

Here at St. Bartholomew’s we want pupils to enjoy Religious Education lessons. They will be knowledgeable about all of the key theological concepts, and they will have had the opportunity to discuss, explore, question, reason and evaluate each of these through our ‘Big Question.’ Children will also have a deeper understanding of other world religions, with our focuses on Islam and Sikhism. With this knowledge and understanding pupils will leave St. Bartholomew’s Primary having had the opportunity to:

• know about and understand Christianity as a diverse global living faith through the exploration of core beliefs using an approach that critically engages with biblical text.

• gain knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews appreciating diversity, continuity and change within the religions and worldviews being studied.

• engage with challenging questions of meaning and purpose raised by human existence and experience.

• recognise the concept of religion and its continuing influence on Britain’s cultural heritage and in the lives of individuals and societies in different times, cultures and places.

• explore their own religious, spiritual and philosophical ways living, believing and thinking.

We want our pupils to leave St. Bartholomew’s Primary as responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to their community, society and God’s world.