RE

Intent

• To know about and understand Christianity as a diverse global living faith through the exploration of core beliefs using an approach that engages with biblical text
• To gain knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews appreciating diversity, continuity and change within the religions and worldviews being studied
• To engage with challenging questions of meaning and purpose raised by human existence and experience
• To recognise the concept of religion and its continuing influence on Britain’s cultural heritage and in the lives of individuals and societies in different times, cultures and places
• To explore their own religious, spiritual and philosophical ways of living, believing and thinking
• To ensure our RE curriculum reflects our theologically rooted Christian vision, enabling all pupils to flourish, including those who may be vulnerable or disadvantaged

Implementation

As a Church of England Primary school, the school’s religious education curriculum and teaching is extremely important. Through Christian Faith, we acknowledge our responsibility to all, to enrich lives and show love, respect and compassion to all. We believe in lifelong learning, aiming to equip all our children to live in society today and tomorrow in all its fullness.

At East Bergholt Primary school, we follow the Emmanuel Project scheme of work developed by the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich as our key resource to teach from. The Emmanuel project provides challenging and ambitious material for the teaching of RE. This is supported by our Christian Values which are taught half-termly through collective acts of worship.

RE is well-sequenced, balanced, diverse and inclusive, reflecting the Church of England's Statement of Entitlement for Religious Education.  Teachers have access to professional development in RE so that subject knowledge and pedagogy remain strong.  Throughout each of our pupil's primary education, they will experience and be taught through 42 enquiry-based units: 

• 24 units on Christianity from EYFS to KS2
• 18 units on other world faiths and Humanism for KS1 and KS2 (these include; Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Sikhism)

Our curriculum provides a foundation for exploring the ‘difficult questions’ about life, and what individual responsibility means. We believe RE should promote values of truth, justice and respect for all people and the environment. We aim to place specific emphasis on pupils valuing others and themselves, within families and community groups, recognising and valuing similarities and differences.  Opportunities for courageous advocacy are built into the curriculum, encouraging children to act for justice and positive change.  At East Bergholt Primary, we aim to prepare pupils for opportunities and experiences of adult life as well as enabling pupils to make informed decisions and explore the significance of humanity and their responsibility towards it. 

Impact

Children are able to show tolerance and understanding of different beliefs and cultural values. Pupils demonstrate an increasing age-appropriate ability to reflect upon and learn from religion. By the end of their time here, children will have a secure understanding of the key beliefs and values of Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism and Humanism. Pupils will demonstrate high levels of interest and enjoyment in RE.  They will also be able to make links between their learning in RE, our Christian vision and how they can live well together with dignity and respect.  Pupils are enabled to flourish spiritually, morally, socially and culturally and to see themselves as active agents of change in their communities and in the wider world.