Religious Education
Religious Education (RE) at Reignhead Primary School
Intent
At Reignhead Primary School, Religious Education (RE) is a core part of our curriculum, reflecting our school's strong commitment to developing the whole child. Through the study of diverse religions and belief systems (religious and non-religious views), our pupils will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around them, cultivating respect, tolerance, and empathy - values that are at the heart of our B.E.S.T. ethos.
Key Aims
The primary aims of RE at Reignhead are to:
1). Provide pupils with a broad and balanced understanding of the major world religions and their core beliefs, practices, and traditions.
2). Foster a respect for religious and cultural diversity, preparing our pupils to be responsible, thoughtful, and engaged citizens.
3). Encourage pupils to reflect on their own beliefs, values, and experiences, and to consider the impact of religion and belief on individuals, communities, and society.
4). Develop pupils' critical thinking skills, enabling them to analyse, evaluate, and form their own informed opinions on complex religious and ethical issues.
Implementation
1) Content and Skills
Throughout their time at Reignhead, pupils will explore the key tenets of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism, as well as other belief systems and non-religious world views. They will learn about the sacred texts, places of worship, festivals, and important figures associated with these faiths. Pupils will also develop a range of skills, including research, interpretation, empathy, and effective communication, which will support their learning across the curriculum.
2) Progression
In Key Stage 1, the focus will be on introducing pupils to the basic beliefs and practices of the major world religions, as well as encouraging them to share and reflect on their own experiences and perspectives. As pupils progress through Key Stage 2, the curriculum will deepen, exploring religious and non-religious concepts in greater complexity and encouraging more critical analysis and discussion of the role of religion and non-religious beliefs in contemporary society.
Wider Impact
The study of RE at Reignhead Primary School will not only broaden our pupils' knowledge and understanding of diverse beliefs and cultures but will also contribute to their overall personal and social development. By cultivating respect, tolerance, and empathy, RE will help prepare our pupils to be active, responsible, and engaged citizens, ready to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
Here at Reignhead, we get involved in many religious and non-religious celebrations such as: Harvest festival, Christingle, Easter assemblies and also a Spirited Art Competition.
Right of withdrawal
Our Religious Education curriculum is open and broad and explores a range of religious and non-religious worldviews. However, parents do have the right to withdraw their children from RE lessons or any part of the RE curriculum, and we recognise that we have a duty to supervise children, though not to provide additional teaching or to incur extra cost when doing so.
Where the pupil has been withdrawn, the law states that alternative arrangements should be made for RE of the kind the parents want the pupil to receive. These arrangements will be made by the parents; the school is not expected to make these arrangements. This RE could be provided at the school in question, or by another school in the locality. If neither approach is practicable, the pupil may receive external RE teaching as long as the withdrawal does not have a significant impact on the pupil’s attendance.
Before a decision to withdraw a pupil from RE, we will enter discussions with the parent to ensure that they understand the aims and value
of RE before honouring this right.
More guidance on withdrawal can be found in Religious education in English schools:
non-statutory guidance 2010, available online at www.gov.uk/government/publications/religiouseducation-guidance-in-english-schools-non-statutory-guidance-2010
