Intent

Religious education has a unique place as a central subject in the curriculum of St Michael’s.

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 Great Britain.

·        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

Christianity is compulsory at each Key Stage.

In addition:

·        At Key Stage 1 pupils must study Islam

·        At Key Stage 2 pupils must study Hinduism and Islam

Christianity units are covered using the Understanding Christianity resource.

Religious Education is generally taught on a weekly basis, but is sometimes delivered through a class topic or as a whole-school RE day.  KS1: 36 hours per year and  KS2: 45 hours per year (Dearing Review 1996)

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