Religious Education helps pupils to understand our multi-faith society and promotes citizenship. In RE we encourage: a reflective approach to living; knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs and practices; development of personal skills in forming reasoned opinions based on evidence and argument. We promote the spiritual, moral, social, cultural and emotional development of pupils.

Provide a basic curriculum which includes provision for RE for all pupils

Acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in Great Britain

Develop pupil understanding of the influence of beliefs, values and traditions on individuals, communities, societies and cultures, from the local to the global

Develop the ability of pupils to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues, with reference to the teachings of the principal religions within Great Britain

Enhance pupil spiritual, moral, social and cultural development by:

• developing awareness of the fundamental questions of life raised by human experiences, and of how religious teachings and other beliefs relate to them
• responding to such questions with reference to the teachings and practices of religions and other belief systems, relating them to pupils’ own beliefs, values and experiences.

Develop positive attitudes of respect towards other people who hold views and beliefs different from their own, and towards living in a society of diverse religions and beliefs

To meet the two attainment targets outlined in the Oxfordshire Agreed Syllabus which apply to William Fletcher Primary School.

Implementation

We recognise the variety of religious and non-religious backgrounds from which our pupils come,   welcoming this diversity and being sensitive to the home background of each child.  We recognise the inter-relationship between pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and the role the RE curriculum has in some of these areas. In accordance with this and the Oxfordshire Agreed Syllabus we study aspects of different religions across the school phases as follows in order to ensure understanding of the five key religions within the UK;

Foundation Stage (F1) – Christianity and the appropriate selection of other material.

Key Stage One – Christianity and aspects of Hinduism

Lower Key Stage Two – Christianity and aspects of Judaism and Sikhism

Upper Key Stage Two – Christianity and aspects of Judaism and Islam.

Whilst the above religions are the key focus within each Key Stage, elements of all religions may be taught where appropriate to the Key Stage topic and other curricular planning. Whilst adhering to the 2015-2020 Oxfordshire Agreed Syllabus focusing on enquiry based learning to answer key questions (see curricular guidance document) taught content across the school may be structured within the thematic guidance of the Oxfordshire Agreed Syllabus.

Impact
Pupils are given the opportunity to demonstrate RE knowledge, skills and understanding in a variety of ways (written response, discussion, drama, art) enabling us to accurately assess their attainment.  The children’s work is assessed by making informed judgements from observation made during lessons and by referring to descriptions of the levels of attainment outlined in the school RE progression and attainment document, which is based upon the Oxfordshire Agreed Syllabus guidance for reporting at the end of each Key Stage. We report on pupils’ progress and attainment in RE to parents and carers at the end of the academic year through the school’s individual pupil reports.