Religious Education at Selsted

Intent- Why do we teach this? Why do we teach it in the way we do?

As a Church of England School, the Christian faith is in the foundations of everything that we do here at Selsted. In all learning and life experiences, we aim to fulfil our school vision and provide an environment where all children feel known, accepted, and valued as individuals. Our Christian faith affects not only what we teach, but also how we teach.

We believe that it is important for the children to belong to a safe and nurturing community, founded on strong Christian values where children will develop an array of skills that will enable them to make their own positive contribution to society. Our Christian values here at Selsted are: friendship, hope, respect, perseverance, wisdom and trust.

Our aims for all the children in RE are:

• To provoke challenging questions about the ultimate meaning of life, beliefs about God, the nature of reality and morality.
• To develop pupils knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal world religions, religious traditions and world-views.
• To encourage pupils to develop their sense of identity and belonging.
• To teach pupils to develop respect for others and their beliefs.
• To challenge prejudice.
• To allow pupils to consider their responsibilities to themselves and to others, and to explore how they might contribute to wider society, encouraging empathy, generosity and compassion.

Implementation- What do we teach? What does this look like?

Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children- regardless of background, ability, additional needs- to flourish and become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be.

Our RE teaching is informed by the teaching scheme: Understanding Christianity. By using this scheme, we are ensuring children are given the opportunity to become religiously literate. Understanding Christianity is based upon seven core Christian concepts. Children will explore the different concepts in a range of inspiring activities, such as through drama, art, discussion, use of artefacts, stories, pictures and opportunities of reflection. As they move through the school, starting in Foundation Stage, they will develop a greater depth of understanding by the time they reach Year 6.

Understanding Christianity believes that children show an understanding of the religious text and teachings but they should also demonstrate a deepened and more thoughtful approach to their learning and how this influences day to day life.

Impact- What will this look like?

By the time children leave our school they will:

• Ask and offer possible answers to challenging questions about the meaning of life, beliefs, nature of reality and morality.
• Have a secure understanding and knowledge of the religions studied and be confident to answer key questions.
• Have the ability to ask significant and reflective questions about religion and demonstrate a good understanding of issues relating to the nature, truth and value of religion.
• Have a sense of self, identity and belonging to flourish within the community and be responsible citizens.
• Show respect, tolerance and understanding of all religions and beliefs.
• Have a strong understanding of how the beliefs, values, practices and ways of life within any religion come together.
• Link their knowledge to religions to personal reflections.
• Have the ability to exemplify the Schools Christian values in all aspects of life that are rooted in the teachings of the Bible.