Religious Education Curriculum Statement

Intent

Religious Education at Ellison teaches children about the nature of religious beliefs and practices and the importance and influence of these in the lives of believers. At Ellison, it is part of a broad and balanced curriculum and makes an important contribution to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils. We aim to promote a caring and stimulating environment in which the children are encouraged to develop a respect for themselves and others.

Religious Education enables children to investigate and reflect on some of the most fundamental questions asked by people. At Ellison, we aim to develop the children’s understanding of the major world faiths thus enabling them to develop a sound knowledge not only of Christianity but also of other world religions. Children reflect on what it means to have a faith and to develop their own spiritual knowledge and understanding. We help the children to learn from religion as well as about religion.

Implementation

Our school curriculum for Religious Education meets the requirements of the 1988 and 2002 Education Reform Acts. These acts stipulate that Religious Education is compulsory for all children. The Religious Education curriculum forms an important part of our school’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural education.

Our curriculum is based on the Staffordshire Agreed Syllabus and it meets all the requirements set out in that document. The pupils receive a balanced Religious Education curriculum, studying Christianity and at least two other major faiths represented in our local area. Pupils will also be made aware of broad perspectives of other religions. Where a request to withdraw pupils from Religious Education is received; we will ensure that discussions take place and appropriate action is agreed.

To ensure high standards of teaching and learning, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. We ensure that key concepts covered in lessons build upon prior learning. These concepts are returned to and built upon throughout the years. We ensure that planned progression offers the children an increasing challenge as they move through the school. Religious Education follows six units of study to be covered across the academic year. The requirement for teaching time is 36 hours per year in Key Stage 1 and 45 hours per year in Key Stage 2. This time may partially be made up by collective worship i.e. class or key stage assemblies.

The school uses a variety of teaching and learning methods in Religious Education lessons. We recognise the fact that children have differing needs in class and therefore provide suitable learning opportunities for all children to have appropriate challenge and achieve.

Impact

The impact of our Religious Education curriculum at Ellison Primary Academy will be that children are equipped for life in an ever-changing and ever-shrinking world. Children will possess an understanding of the values and moral beliefs that underpin individual choices of behaviour. Our pupils will become well-rounded citizens by developing an understanding of the need for respect for others and a sense of personal responsibility. Our children will appreciate what it means to be positive members of our society. They will recognise the difference between right and wrong through the study of ethical questions. The curriculum will enhance their social development by helping them to build a sense of identity in a multicultural society. Through their R.E. learning, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world.