Religious Education (RE) gives children the chance to learn about a range of faiths and beliefs, both religious and non-religious. It builds cultural cohesion and tolerance, and gives context to much of the world and its history. It gives children the chance to express their opinion in a respectful manner and connect with their own moral and spiritual selves. RE is enriching for all pupils, whether they are of faith or not.
RE is taught discretely throughout Key Stages One and Two, and as part of a topic-based approach in EYFS. Children in Key Stages One and Two are taught RE on a rolling cycle with another subject (i.e. they will study RE weekly for half of the year). We also add into our plans one thematic RE day each year and one visit to a house of worship or place of religious significance. Our work in collective worship - a weekly class session in KS1 and KS2 - offers opportunities to further discuss moral and social issues, many of which overlap with RE.
In addition to our formal RE curriculum, we teach children about celebrations, religious festivals, and beliefs during assemblies which are planned to align with key celebrations over the course of the year. This year, we have already explored the festivals of Rosh Hashana, Hanukkah, Christmas, Easter, Diwali and Ramadan. Our local vicar, Reverend Bob, visits school regularly to lead assemblies and we are beginning to go to church as a whole school for assemblies or services there.
Our curriculum is guided by the curriculum of our local SACRE and high quality resources prepared by our strategic partner, the REACH Foundation. We have adapted resources from both providers to ensure that our offer is comprehensive, cohesive and relevant to our children. As in other humanities subjects (Geography and History), we produce booklets so that there is a high-quality guarantee of the level of provision our children experience. We work in partnership with Brigshaw High School to ensure that there is continuity between the RE taught at Allerton Bywater and the RE taught at the secondary school of most of our departing students.
In the UK, parents have the right to withdraw their children from RE on the grounds that they wish to provide their own RE. This provision will be the parents’ responsibility. Any requests to withdraw pupils from RE - either the whole curriculum or part of the curriculum - should be addressed to the headteacher. Parents will be asked to meet with the headteacher to discuss the reasons behind the request for withdrawal, what the school can do to encourage the child’s participation in RE and what the school can do to help the family ensure the child receives quality RE at home should withdrawal take place.
Assessment in RE is completed formatively, lesson to lesson, to reshape planning and teaching. Summative assessments at the end of units take into consideration children’s work over time as well as their final extended piece.
For further information about RE at ABPS, please contact Mr Asquith.
