Intent

Religious education has a unique place as a central subject in our curriculum.

Our Religious Education curriculum is mapped out so it is well sequenced with clear progression of learning where the children are able to reflect and make links with their learning.

We aim:

• to engage pupils in enquiring into and exploring big questions arising from the study of religion and belief, so as to promote their personal, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
• to provide learners with knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other principal religious traditions and beliefs represented in Great Britain.
• to develop their understanding of the ways in which beliefs influence people in their lives through behaviour, practices and outlook.
• to enable learners to apply the insights of the principal religious traditions to their own search for identity and significance.
• to enable learners to become aware of their own beliefs and values and to have a positive attitude to the search for meaning and purpose in life.
• to encourage learners to develop a positive and compassionate attitude towards other people who hold religious beliefs different from their own.
• For children to know about the three types of knowledge in R.E believing, thinking and living.

We ensure that we comply with the legal requirements by following the West Sussex Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2020-2025.

Implementation

Religious Education is generally taught on a weekly basis, but is sometimes delivered through a class topic or as a whole-school RE day.

Teachers have high expectations and plan and deliver lessons in a variety of ways ensuring that all children can access and participate in lessons. Interactive, creative and practical activities encourage the children to discuss their ideas and extend their understanding of difficult concepts and challenging questions. Teachers provide opportunities for pupils to consider their own personal views and influences.

Pupils’ progress in RE is based on the expected outcomes outlined in Understanding Christianity or the Emmanuel schemes of work, which in turn have been developed in line with guidance produced nationally. The children will be assessed prior to teaching a unit and after to show progress.

We track individual pupil’s progress in this way, whilst also bearing 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.

Impact

Religious Education at Fittleworth develops pupils’…

• knowledge and understanding of, and their ability to respond to, Christianity, other principal world religions, other religious traditions and world views; 
• understanding, compassion and respect for different religions, beliefs, values and traditions (including ethical life stances), through exploring issues within and between faiths;
• understanding of the influence of faith and belief on individuals, societies, communities and cultures;
• skills of enquiry and response through the use of religious vocabulary, questioning and empathy;
• skills of reflection, expression, application, analysis and evaluation of beliefs, values and practices, and the communication of personal responses to these.

Religious Education at Fittleworth encourages pupils to…

• consider challenging questions of the meaning and purpose of life; beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human;
• understand the influence of religion on individuals, families, communities and cultures;
• 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;
• develop respect for and sensitivity to others, in particular those whose faiths and beliefs are different from their own.

Religious Education at Fittleworth enhances pupils’…

• awareness and understanding of religions and beliefs, teachings, practices and forms of expression;
• ability to reflect on, consider, analyse, link, interpret and evaluate issues of truth, belief, faith and ethics and to communicate their responses.

Religious Education at Fittleworth offers…

• opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development.