At Stanton-in-Peak C of E Primary School we aim to provide all our children with an excellent caring and supportive Christian environment.  Our Christian values, which develop the children’s spiritual and moral understanding, underpins all areas of school life as we support our children to become valued, caring and responsible members of society. The strong Christian ethos in our school is reflected in our Religious Education curriculum. Following a key-stage appropriate programme of study, children follow the Understanding Christianity programme alongside the Derbyshire Agreed Syllabus.  Big Questions also play an important part in allowing children to explore their thoughts and ideas.  

As they explore the subject, children are supported to develop their understanding of Christianity, other religions and world views. Children are taught how to make sense of beliefs, make connections based on their learning and understand their impact of beliefs on themselves, their community and the wider world.  We are passionate about equipping our children with the skills they need to be effective global citizens.

Intent

Through our Religious Education curriculum we aim:

• to engage pupils in enquiring into and exploring questions arising from the study of religion and belief, so as to promote their personal, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
• to provide learners with knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other principal religious traditions and beliefs represented in the world.
• to develop their understanding of the ways in which beliefs influence people in their behaviour, practices and outlook.
• to enable learners to apply the insights of the principal religious traditions to their own search for identity and significance.
• to enable learners to become aware of their own beliefs and values and to have a positive attitude to the search for meaning and purpose in life.
• to encourage learners to develop a positive attitude towards other people who hold religious beliefs different from their own.

Implementation

Religious Education is taught on a weekly basis. Teachers may develop their own key questions linked to the themes in the syllabus, allowing links with other subject areas where appropriate.

Lessons are planned and taught in a variety of ways, ensuring that all children can access and participate in lessons. Interactive, practical activities encourage children to discuss their ideas and extend their understanding of difficult concepts and challenging questions.

Pupils’ progress in RE is based on the expected outcomes outlined in the Derbyshire Agreed Syllabus and in Understanding Christianity, which in turn has been developed in line with guidance produced nationally. We track individual pupil’s progress in this way, whilst also bearing in mind that the statements do not cover all aspects of teaching and learning in RE. For example, pupil’s personal views and ideas are not subject to formal assessment, and yet are central to good RE.

Impact

Religious Education at Stanton-in-Peak C of E Primary School develops pupils':

• knowledge and understanding of, and their ability to respond to, Christianity, other principal world religions, other religious traditions and world views;
• understanding and respect for different religions, beliefs, values and traditions (including ethical life stances), through exploring issues within and between faiths;
• understanding of the influence of faith and belief on individuals, societies, communities and cultures;
• skills of enquiry and response through the use of religious vocabulary, questioning and empathy;
• skills of reflection, expression, application, analysis and evaluation of beliefs, values and practices, and the communication of personal responses to these.
• consider challenging questions of the meaning and purpose of life; beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human;
• understand the influence of religion on individuals, families, communities and cultures;
• learn from different religions, beliefs, values and traditions while exploring questions of meaning and their own beliefs;
• learn about religious and ethical teaching, enabling them to make reasoned and informed responses to religious, moral and social issues;
• develop their sense of identity and belonging, preparing them for life as citizens in a plural, global society;
• develop respect for and sensitivity to others, in particular those whose faiths and beliefs are different from their own.

Religious Education at Stanton-in-Peak C of E Primary School enhances pupils’:

• awareness and understanding of religions and beliefs, teachings, practices and forms of expression;
• ability to reflect on, consider, analyse, interpret and evaluate issues of truth, belief, faith and ethics and to communicate their responses.

'Life in all its fullness' John 10:10b

If you have any questions about RE at our school, please email a.wyer@peaktorfederation.co.uk