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Religious Education

RE assists young people in becoming well-rounded individuals, helping them to understand their own identity, to respect others and the rights and responsibilities of fellow human beings.’  Religious Education for all - 2015

 

INTENT - How we have planned our RE curriculum:

 

As a Church of England School, the Christian faith is at the foundations of everything that we do at Walesby, not only in what we teach, but also in how we teach.  Our approach to RE supports and compliments our school Christian values and the ‘Walesby Way.’

The ethos of our school - ‘providing a welcoming, secure and stimulating environment’ is reflected in our religious education programme that:

  • Is inclusive and relevant to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all our children.
  • Recognises, all our children have an entitlement to high quality RE, irrespective of race, gender, disability, age or social background. Staff promote positive attitudes towards diversity and difference.
  • Develops self-confidence and identifies that all our children are unique and therefore we should all be respectful of each other.
  • Promotes equality and understanding of the British values and our Christian Values ensures they are prepared for life in modern Britain.
  • Helps our children in becoming well-rounded individuals, recognising the rights and responsibilities of fellow human beings.
  • Considers responsibilities to ourselves and to others, and explores how we might contribute to our communities and to wider society encouraging empathy, generosity and compassion.
  • Equips our children with knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and world issues, enabling the development of ideas, opinions, and essentially themselves.
  • Helps our children to recognise and understand the diversity in our modern community and develops respect for others and their beliefs
  • Provokes challenging questions about: - meaning, purpose in life, beliefs about God, reality, right and wrong, as well has what it means to be human.

 

IMPLEMENTATION - How we teach our RE curriculum:

 

  • RE in our school follows the ‘The Nottinghamshire Agreed Syllabus – Religious Education for All’ 2021 and ‘Understanding Christianity.’
  • Our curriculum is organised into a bespoke 2-year cycle (for Year 1 & 2, Year 3 & 4  and Year  5 & 6 and a 1 year cycle for FS2, reflecting our Christian distinctiveness. Our long-term plans take full account of the curriculum to be experienced in future years and ensures that children are well equipped to make the transition to the next phase of their education and can function in society as good citizens.
  • Our bespoke curriculum encourages our children to be inquisitive about others beliefs developing inquiry based R.E. skills that allow them to be culturally aware of the world around them. 
  • Children in year 1-6, study Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Islam as well as religions and beliefs represented in their local area.
  • The structure/delivery of sessions is consistent throughout school and children engage well to this approach. We use a wide range of stimulus to engage the children such as visits, artefacts, videos, drama.
  • Our curriculum provides ‘memorable experiences’ which help to deepen children’s learning. Children engage in a variety of activities that are structured to allow opportunity for reflection, exploration of beliefs and values, questioning and enquiry, investigation and personal response.
  • Each theme is revisited throughout each key stage to deepen learning. Learning builds on prior R.E. learning and allows for repetition and progression of skills.
  • All units of study have a prime learning challenge, expressed as a question, as the starting point. Using the information gained from pre- learning tasks and our school’s context, a series of subsidiary challenges are then planned. Each subsidiary learning challenge is also expressed as a question. 
  • All units end with a session of reflection. There are continual opportunities for learners to reflect frequently, especially as each subsidiary learning challenge comes to an end.
  • Our medium-term RE plans give details of the teaching objectives, activities, success criteria, assessment opportunities for lessons within each topic. They ensure an appropriate balance and distribution of work across each term. This approach links learning in RE to class themes as well as British Values, but some aspects are taught discretely as appropriate.
  • RE is carefully planned to ensure balance between the following three areas of the subject. Know About and Understand, Express and Communicate and Gain and Deploy Skills
  • Throughout religious education, the development of skills and attitudes are planned for as well as progression in knowledge and understanding.
  • Our Christian values reflect British Values and our 2 year cycle allows opportunities for this to be further developed during our teaching of RE
  • Each unit has clear links with links with spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
  • Classroom and whole school displays promote RE and our Christian values
  • Prayer spaces in school and displays in each classroom and around school allow children to reflect and share experiences.
  • Weekly values are shared with parents/carers in our weekly newsletters and in each classroom/ hall
  • Providing learning opportunities that are matched to the needs of specific groups of children, taking into account the targets set for individual pupils in their individual education plans (IEPs).
  •  Supporting learning by selecting and developing practical, interactive and visual strategies and materials.
  • Applying their knowledge, skills and understanding from other curriculum subjects where it is possible to do so. The school has close links with St Edmund’s Church. Major festivals are celebrated in Church and parents and friends are always welcome to join the staff and children.
  • Our Home school diaries, customised for our school, reflect our Christian values and beliefs.
  • Half-termly newsletters are sent home to ensure that parents/carers understand the fantastic learning opportunities that their children have within RE, giving them a chance to discuss further at home.
  •  

IMPACT-

Our Christian values are rooted in all areas of our curriculum. Teachers are confident in their role of supporting children in their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

 

Within our safe and nurturing community, our children will demonstrate that they:

  • Have a stronger awareness of the world around them and will be mindful of the beliefs of others, developing respect for their beliefs and lifestyles.
  • Challenge prejudice.
  • Have a secure understanding and knowledge of the religions studied and be confident to answer ultimate questions.
  • Ask questions, seek answers and develop ideas in a quest to discover more about their own identity and that of others.
  • Share ideas and insights about the world around them, have an opinion/beliefs and know how to talk respectfully about them, without offending anyone.
  • Have an understanding of how the beliefs, values, practices and ways of life within a religion come together.
  • Have the ability to demonstrate the School’s Christian values in all aspects of life that are rooted in the teachings of the Bible.
  • Have a sense of self, identity and belonging to flourish within the community and be responsible citizens.
  • Reflect upon themselves as whole people – through the body, the mind and the spirit.
  • Feel they are valued as individuals and that their beliefs are valued and celebrated.
  • Feel safe to learn new things and share their beliefs with others in an accepting environment.

 

Progression in RE & Long Term Plan

RE Long Term Planning

CYCLE A

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

UNIT

Belonging

 

Diwali & Christmas  (Gifts) Celebrations

 

From Creation to Shabbat

( also includes Noah, Abraham)

Jesus and His Miracles

 

+ Easter

Visiting a Church

+ Pentecost

 

Jewish Stories

(Moses & Jonah)

YEAR 1 / 2

Belonging in families

Caring in Families

Belonging in schools

Belonging in the community, intro Christianity/ other faiths

Belonging to a Christian Family

Intro Infant baptism – A Christening Experience

Jesus’ baptism

Respecting others and introducing Hinduism.

Hindu Celebration of Light – Diwali

Christmas – gifts, Jesus’  birth

Wise Men’s story and gifts

How is Jesus’ Birthday Celebrated In Church?

Jesus’ Gifts and Children’s Special Gifts.

 

What’s important to the children?

What’s important to Jews? Children’s own ideas about God.

What can we learn from looking at the world & Jewish beliefs about Creation?

Reflections on our Beautiful world

How can we care for our Beautiful World?

How do people talk to others? ….to God?

Which people talked and listened to God? 1. Noah  2. Abraham

How do Jews show their beliefs through Shabbat?

Why is rest important to Jews/ everyone?

How can Shabbat rest be taken into the week?

Jesus the Miracle Worker - feeding of the 5000, calming the sea

Jesus – the Healer – paralysed man lowered through the roof

Jesus the Healer – healing the blind man

Jesus the Healer – healing the 10 lepers, Jairus’ daughter, (hem of robe woman)

Being thankful for healing; asking for help

Do you have a special place?

What are Christians’ Special places like?

Going Inside – What happens at churches? /Wedding Experience

Looking Inside Churches – What’s Inside?

Preparation / Visit to a Church

Moses’ Birth

Moses and Burning Bush

What is Moses’ ( and your) decision?

Moses and the Plagues and Escape

Jonah and the Big Fish

 

UNIT

Signs, Symbols

and Parables

Light and Dark

+ Christmas

 

Hindu Worship

Brave People in the Bible

 

+ Easter

Pilgrimages

+ Pentecost

 

Amazing Roller Coaster Rides in the Bible

YEAR 3 / 4

Introduction of signs, symbols; Christian symbols

Introduction of non-literal language-idioms; parables

Jesus’ parables:

– general & The Persistent Widow

– Hidden treasure & Pearl of Great Price

–The Banquet/ 5 Wise and Foolish bridesmaids

– The Sower

Light – Introduction &  as a Christian symbol

Light – Pentecost – Holy Spirit Comes

What Happened After Pentecost?

Saul to Paul – the influence of light

Festival of Diwali and Story

Exploring the Story behind the Festival of Diwali.

Exploring the development of good qualities

 

Introduction to India

Introduction to Hinduism

Hindu Beliefs about God

Beliefs about Brahman, through investigating Ganesh

Investigating what’s important to Hindus & the Children

Exploring How Hindus Worship - Puja

Exploring Where Hindus do Puja (at home) & Use of senses

Where do Hindus Worship? Puja at the (temples) mandirs

Favourite sayings

Investigating Amazing people in the Old Testament:

-Noah

-Abraham

-David – Introduced through Hannah and Samuel

- Samuel’s Call and David Anointed

- David and Goliath

-Esther

-Daniel

 

Children’s Special Places : Special Places of Worship for People with a Faith

Introducing Pilgrimages

Pilgrimages places including Jerusalem

Christian Pilgrimages and Reasons for them

Southwell Minster Visit, further

Visit to Southwell Minster

Main Muslim Pilgrimage Place - Hajj

Sikh and Hindu Pilgrimages

Jonah’s Journey

Joseph and His Multicoloured Coat

Joseph and Pharaoh’s Dreams

Joseph and Family Reunited,

Esther

UNIT

What’s Important; Exploring values

Muslim Families and Celebrations

+ Christmas

Beliefs in Action in the world/ Holocaust Centre

 

Exploring the New Testament

+ Easter

Investigating Religions and Harmony, Near and Far

+ Pentecost

Expressing Faith through  the Arts

YEAR 5/6

good/bad actions and behaviour

Guidelines for Living

-home and school

choices of actions and moral dilemmas

 What helps Children make a decision from the Choices?

 Guidelines in 3 Religions

Children’s Ideas

 Choices of Action in the Community

-the Importance of Values

Muslim Families and Food – Halal

Muslim Clothes

The Qur’an

Going to The Mosque

  Muslim Prayer and Wudu - cleansing 

Muslim Weddings

  Muslim Baby Welcoming and Naming Ceremony

understanding of Jewish religious practice in Europe before the Second World War.

Investigation of the persecution of Jewish people during the Holocaust

Use of case studies and survivor testimonies. to develop an accurate understanding of issues arising from Holocaust study,

Question the nature of prejudice and discrimination, and how these may  be challenged.

Jewish community action in the UK today – Never Again - Respect for all.

Overview of New Testament

Why did Peter, the Disciples & Paul risk their Lives for Jesus?

Why did Peter and Paul and Christians today follow Jesus? ļƒ Teachings of Jesus

Jesus’ 1st Commandment

Jesus’ 2nd Commandment - How is it used?

What were Jesus’ Other Teachings?

Exploring Jesus’ other Teaching & a Moral Dilemma

 

 

Investigating religions in children’s villages/towns.

Diversity of religions in City eg Nottingham

Hinduism in Nottingham and UK

Hindu beliefs – Sacred scriptures, Cycle of life and Moksha

Sikhism in Nottingham and UK

Investigate Religions in UK and World / Non- Violence

Harmony

 

Different arts used by different faith groups

Music – as a way of expressing faith

Music in the Bible – Psalms

Dance and Drama – other ways of expressing faith

Expressing faith through the Arts in Hinduism

Expressing faith through the Arts in Islam

Expressing faith through the Arts in Christianity

 

 

RE Long Term Planning

CYCLE B

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

UNIT

Jewish Celebrations and Stories

(David, Daniel & Hanukkah)

Celebrations - Eid & Christmas  ( Journeys

The Torah and

Jewish stories

Joseph,Moses-10commandments

Jesus and His Stories

 

+  Easter

Jesus’ Friends and Followers

 

+ Pentecost

Visiting a Synagogue

 

YEAR 1 / 2

Introducing David

David and Goliath

Investigating the story of David and Goliath

Daniel in the Lion’s den

Hanukkah

 

Respecting others

Respecting others and introducing Islam and Muslims

Muslim Festival of Eid

 

Mary and Joseph’s Journey

Mary and Joseph’s Arrival at Bethlehem

Other Visitors to Bethlehem

At Bethlehem

Things that are special to us.

Introducing the Torah Scrolls and Jewish people

Learning from the Torah. Which rules do you use?

Which stories are in the Torah?/ Introducing Joseph’s story

Joseph – prison - becoming 2nd to Pharaoh

Joseph’s Reunion with His Family

The Lost Sheep

The Lost coin

The Prodigal Son

The Good Samaritan

The Two Houses

Friendships & Jesus’ Teaching on Friendships

 Jesus’ friends & followers- The fishermen, Mary & Martha

Introducing more friends and followers – valuing children

Jesus’ Respect for all – Zacchaeus – became a follower

Followers of Jesus – after he died

Followers of Jesus – what happened to them?

 Peter – what happened to him- why did he change?

How does Jesus Influence Christians today?

Famous Followers of Jesus

What is a special place for Jewish people?

What are Jewish Synagogues like?

What do Jewish People wear in a Synagogue?

Preparing for a Visit to a Synagogue.

Visiting a Synagogue

 

UNIT

Detectives

- Investigating Jesus

 

Hindu Family Celebrations

 

+ Christmas

Jewish Celebrations and Family Life

 

Miraculous Escapes

(Daniel, Moses & Pesach)

 

+ Easter

Caring and Praying

 

              + Pentecost

Muhammad,pbuh Mosques and Prayer

 

YEAR 3 /4

Jesus’ childhood

Jesus’ teaching

death - Investigate Jesus’ appearance

Jesus’ Character – Jesus with a Close Friends – was he good /trustworthy?

Was Jesus good/ trustworthy to his disciples?

Jesus with the Crowds and Children

Jesus with People who had few friends

Jesus with the Despised Romans

Other ways that Jesus behaved? – Investigate Miracles

Jesus and the Religious Leaders

Jesus about Himself

Introducing Hindu Family Celebrations and Holi

Introducing Festival of Holi and celebrations

Raksha Bandhan- sister/brother festival

Hindu Festival – Janmashtami – Krishna’s Birthday

An important time in a Hindu’s Life & family – Weddings and promises

Hindu family celebrations - Weddings

 

Judaism and Jewish artefacts

Shabbat introduced

The Shabbat Experience

Other Jewish Ceremonies and Celebrations            

Jewish Traditions

 

Daniel … in the Lion’s Den

Daniel’s friends …. In the Fiery Furnace.

Moses’ Childhood

Moses. Burning Bush, Plagues & Red Sea

Moses and the 10 commandments

Moses Changes

Passover – Jewish ‘Pesach’, celebrating Exodus

Introducing Caring and Praying – Answered Prayers

Prayer Investigated; Unanswered prayers

Jesus and Prayer

More from Jesus – the Lord’s Prayer

Investigating the Lord’s prayer in depth & Our Reactions

Jesus – Earth like Heaven

Music/ Creative Dance and Hopes

Introducing Muslim People and Islam

Muslim people worship Allah

Muhammad pbuh and the Revelation of the Qur’an

Stories told about Muhammad pbuh

Mosques – exterior

Mosques – interior

Muslim Prayer +Wudu

 

UNIT

Making a Difference

Exploring the Old Testament  + Christmas

Investigating Religions and Respect, Further

Exploring Muslim Beliefs

 

+ Easter

Journey through Life

 

             + Pentecost

Beautiful World

Wonderful God?

YEAR 5 / 6

Introducing Poverty and Injustices in the World

What’s it like to be poor?

What Practical Things help Poor Children?

Who are Helping? – Modern Inspirational People

Why are People Helping the poor?

Why Do Christians Help – Jesus’ Teaching?

Who Helps? – How do Charities help the Poor?

How Can We Make a Difference in the World?

Exploring the Question – who is in the Bible?

Who are these People Following?

Exploring aspects of God

Exploring –

What is in the Bible? Where did events take place?

Wisdom, Guidance, Inspiration.

How and when was it written? – Translations, Dead Sea Scrolls

How does Ruth inspire others? – Friendship/ Loyalty

How does Joshua inspire others?  – Trust in God; Courage

Religions in the Locality recalled.

Christian Denominations & Community nvolvement.

Introducing Diversity of Religions

Sikhism in the City & UK – Further Investigation

Where do Sikhs worship – Gurdwara ( or their home)

How did Sikhism Originate – Sikh Founder – Guru Nanak

Visit to Gurdwara /Respect  OR   Virtual Visit and Exploring Sikhism Further

Hinduism in the City and UK – Worship; Hindu & Sikh Scriptures

Hindu beliefs – dharma and karma

Inspiring People in the World.

Respect for others and their Beliefs; the Golden Rule.

Muslims/ The Qur’an and its revelations

The First Mosque and the Muslim story of Bilal

Allah

Five Pillars of Islam / investigated

Following Rules and Values

 Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr

 

 

Journeys through life ( The children’s journey so far)

Celebrating Special Times in a Hindu’s life

Hindu Sacred Thread Ceremony

Christian and Jewish Journeys Through Life

Stages in Life’s Journey

Exploring Journeys Through Life

Big Questions about the World

Exploring Theories about World’s Creation – Science & Religion - Religious views

Exploring the Scientific View

Recapping and Discussing Science and Religion – Conflicting or Complementary?

Use of the Arts to Express our Beliefs and Theories

Who is Responsible? What Happened? Consequences of Actions.

Creation Spoiled; Caring for Our World

Caring for Our Beautiful World

Current Environment Issues

 

Nottinghamshire and Nottingham City Agreed Syllabus

 

In November 2020, schools in both Nottinghamshire and the city of Nottingham were issued with the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education, ‘RE for All’ 2021-2026.

 

Through the use of the Syllabus we use RE to enable our pupils to gain insight and knowledge to equip them as responsible members in our society. The Syllabus we follow encourages pupils to discover more about religion and world views on a range of topics. They are encouraged to express ideas and insights into key questions which face all human beings as we travel through life. They will take part in in-school lessons, visits and trips (including trips to places of worship).

 

The three fold aims of RE in Nottinghamshire will ensure that our pupils:

1. Know and understand a range of religions and world views which will allow them to recognise the diversity which exists in our society.

2. Can express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and the impact of religions and world views as they develop their own personal views on a range of issues

3. Develop and use skills which will assist them to engage seriously with religions and world views

 

By following the Agreed Syllabus, RE will contribute to a whole range of school priorities. Their study will promote spiritual, cultural, social and moral development, as well as enabling them to consider British Values such as tolerance and respect for other who hold different world views.

 

If you would like to know more about the Nottinghamshire and Nottingham City Agreed Syllabus a copy is available for you to read in the school.

Progression of skills and vocabulary documents are available on request to read in school.

EYFS

 

 

In EYFS, RE focuses on developing a growing sense of the child’s awareness of self, their own community and their place within this.

 

It provides opportunities for children to investigate their feelings and relationships and to explore and wonder at the world around them.

Together, we love, learn and grow with God

RE for All - Parent Information

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND LINKS WITH SPIRITUAL, MORAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

CULTURAL CAPITAL IN RE

Holocaust Centre visit

 

Class Willow visited the Holocaust Centre, in Laxton. The children found this a fascinating place to visit. We followed the ‘journey’ of Leo, a 10 year old boy born in Germany in the 1930s, who was of Jewish faith. We found out about how his world was turned upside-down and how the lives of thousands of children were affected. We were able to explore rooms that had been set up as they would have been in 1930s Germany, from a sitting room, classroom and a tailor’s shop with its own hidden room. Being able to see first- hand pictures and artifacts donated from survivors of the holocaust, who were refugees during this time, was an invaluable part of their education.

 

IN THE WORDS OF THE CHILDREN :

 

'It made it feel so real.' 

                             'Like stepping into their shoes.'

 

'It made it easy to understand, as I felt I was going through it.' 

 

 

FS2 share the story of Noah's Ark

Class Chestnut visit St Edmund's Church and become R.E. Detectives.

Easter Experience - Year 4, 5 and 6 visit St Paulinus Church, Ollerton

Year 4,5 and 6 visit Southwell Minster

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