Intent

At Cookham Dean CE Primary we believe that it is vital for all our pupils to learn from and about religion, so that they can understand and embrace the diverse global community in which they live. Through Religious Education, pupils develop their knowledge of the world faiths, and their understanding and awareness of the beliefs, values and traditions of other individuals, societies, communities and cultures. We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. Through a broad range of cross-curricular opportunities, our children experience world religions and learn to live respectfully together. Our Christian values and the British Values are embedded in all learning and school life, allowing the children to develop empathy, generosity and compassion.

Implementation

Legal requirements for Religious Education:

Religious Education is a statutory subject of the curriculum for all pupils in each year group and ‘should be provided for all registered pupils except those withdrawn at the request of their parents.’ (s 71 SSFA 1998)

Parents have the right to request that their son or daughter be excused from all or part of the RE provided.

At Cookham Dean RE is taught through the Discovery scheme for Reception children and Living Faith (Oxford Diocese) from Ys 1 – 6. Both programmes follow the Pan-Berkshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2018 – 2023. The school’s RE overview sets out the curriculum coverage for each year group. The units are planned using an engage, enquire, explore, evaluate, reflect and communicate approach.

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. We use religious artefacts, visits and visitors to help give our pupils as many first hands experiences as possible. All children have at least one hour per week of Religious Education.

We have close links with the local church, St John the Baptist, and special services at the church are celebrated throughout the year: Harvest, Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Easter and end of year.

Impact

As a result of RE teaching at Cookham Dean Primary School we aim to enable the children to:

• accelerate their personal and spiritual development by encouraging self -awareness and self-respect through implementation of the 6RS.
• develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other major world religions and      value systems found in Britain;
• develop an understanding of what it means to be committed to a religious tradition and develop an understanding and tolerance of people who hold a strong faith.;
• be able to reflect on and communicate their own experiences and to develop a personal response to the fundamental questions of life;
• be able to evaluate the key question linked to their learning;
• develop pupils’ social and moral development by encouraging a positive attitude and respect for other peoples’ views and to celebrate the diversity in society;
• develop a sense of awe and wonder about the world around them;
• develop investigative and research skills and to enable them to make reasoned judgements about religious issues.

Impact will be judged through effective assessment. Assessment will be undertaken in a variety of ways through formative, summative and composite strategies in line with the school assessment policy. Regular subject monitoring will review impact and ensure teaching and learning is relevant, appropriate, challenging and interesting.