Religious Education

Intent

At Prior Heath, our teaching and learning in Religious Education (RE) follows the Surrey Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (2023-2028). The syllabus introduces children to different beliefs and how they affect how people live, as well as ideas about identity, belonging, values and commitment. Our intent is for children to make sense of what they have learnt in RE and gain religious literacy through shared experiences, reasoning and reflection. Our aim is for children to understand differences and live among the community as considerate and responsible individuals. Children are encouraged to reflect on all of these ideas and values, including their own whilst promoting their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Implementation

 The RE curriculum is implemented in a way that enables pupils to acquire and develop the knowledge, skills and vocabulary they need to be successful. We provide a curriculum that also engages pupils in a meaningful way. Our RE progression from YR through to Y2 enables the children to develop, apply and embed their skills through weekly lessons building on what they already know and can do. In YR the children learn RE through thematic topics based upon children’s lives and experiences. Children learn about religions by developing their understanding through the Golden threads: ‘God’ (theological) ‘Community’ (sociological) and ‘Identity’ (philosophical) These concepts are built upon in KS1 where the children will continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world views, beliefs and lived experiences of some Christian, Jewish and Muslim people, aspects of other religions and some non-religious people. study Christianity plus aspects of other religions.

Impact

The impact of our curriculum is for the children to have a respect for other people’s values and beliefs as well having the skill to reflect on their own beliefs and values. Awe and wonder as well as thankfulness for all we have, is celebrated throughout the school. Our progression of skills ensure that children become thoughtful, respectful and reflective learners.

Teachers plan carefully to ensure that children make progress with their learning in RE. Assessment for learning is every lesson is used to inform teacher’s planning. Children are supported as required with opportunities for overlearning.

Assemblies

Regular assemblies provide opportunities to gather as a whole school to explore a range of festival and celebrations throughout the year as well as the school values.

If any parents have concerns about the teaching of RE, they are very welcome to discuss the matter with the Headteacher, especially if they are considering withdrawing their child from a lesson.

The Progression of Skills for RE from Reception to Year 2 can be found here. (PDF, 309.67 kB)