Religious Education

Intent

As we are a Voluntary Aided Primary School we teach Religious Education according to the Trust Deed, Practices and Beliefs of the Church of England supplied by the Chester Diocesan Guidelines.
The aim of Religious Education at our school is to enable pupils to;

• Develop a knowledge and understanding of the nature of religion, religious beliefs, practice and experience.

• Explore the way that religious beliefs and experience shape life and conduct.

• Consider and engage with the Spiritual Dimension of life.

• Realise that there are many different religious beliefs held by different people and to respect people’s rights to hold them.

Implementation

Parents do have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and Acts of Worship; however, it is not possible to isolate children from the strong Christian ethos of the school.

We ensure that we comply with the legal requirements by following the Chester Diocese Agreed Syllabus and Understanding Christianity: Text, Impact, and Connections.

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.

Pupils’ progress in RE is based on the expected outcomes outlined in the Agreed Syllabus and in Understanding Christianity, which in turn have been developed in line with guidance produced nationally.

Pupils’ progress is tracked in this way, whilst also keeping 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.

Progress in RE is reported annually to parents and has a prominent position in the end of year report.

A Woodchurch CE pupil will:

• Have an understanding and respect for different religions, beliefs, values and traditions.

• Understand the influence of faith and belief on individuals, societies, communities and cultures;

• Develop the skills of enquiry and response through the use of religious vocabulary, questioning and empathy;

• 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 global society;

• Have opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development.