Introduction
Religious Education (RE) is central to the purpose of Sedlescombe Church of England Primary School because, as a church school, we see that the Christian faith informs all aspects of our life together and commits us to a search for truth. RE at Sedlescombe Church of England Primary School explores how individuals and communities make meaning and sense of their lives through the major religions of the world. It enables pupils to know about, understand and respond to the important and ultimate questions of life. RE is taught in such a way that it inspires pupils to explore, develop and affirm their own faith and values and have respect for the faith, beliefs and values of others. It is not the practice of this school to preach to or seek to convert children. Values education permeates the RE curriculum at Sedlescombe Church of England Primary School.
Religious Education Agreed Syllabus
As a voluntary controlled Church of England school, the East Sussex Agreed Syllabus for RE, is our statutory document for the teaching of RE. Parents have a legal right to withdraw their children from religious education lessons, but as RE is central to the life and identity of Sedlescombe Church of England Primary School, we would ask parents to discuss with the Headteacher any reasons they might have for doing this.
The East Sussex Agreed Syllabus for RE aims to ensure that all pupils:
Know about and understand a range of religions and worldviews, so that they can:
- Describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices, recognising the diversity which exists within and between communities and amongst individuals;
- Identify, investigate and respond to questions posed, and responses offered by some of the sources of wisdom* found in religions and worldviews;
- Appreciate and appraise the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning.
Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and worldviews, so that they can:
- Explain reasonably their ideas about how beliefs, practices and forms of expression influence individuals and communities;
- Express with increasing discernment their personal reflections and critical responses to questions and teachings about identity, diversity, meaning and value, including ethical issues;
- Appreciate and appraise varied dimensions of religion or a worldview.
Gain and deploy the skills needed to engage seriously with religions and worldviews, so that they can:
- Find out about and investigate key concepts and questions of belonging, meaning, purpose and truth, responding creatively;
- Enquire into what enables different individuals and communities to live together respectfully for the wellbeing of all;
- Articulate beliefs, values and commitments clearly in order to explain why they may be important in their own and other people’s lives.
Our Vision for Religious Education
At Sedlescombe Church of England Primary School, our Christian Values are at the heart of our school and inform all that we do. Through a rich curriculum, our vision for RE is to develop children’s skills of enquiry, reasoned argument and reflection so to grow their own sense of identity, compassion and belonging. Religious Education supports children to develop our key learning behaviours and skills for life.
Aspiration
RE will support all children to be aspirational learners by encouraging them to reflect upon their own and other cultures, religions and beliefs. Children will be encouraged to be aspirational by learning about others and developing their own sense of identity and building their own set of values to achieve the best that they can.
Creativity
RE will encourage and provide opportunities for children to be creative and reflective. They will be encouraged to use rich language and will be given opportunities to represent and explore a diverse RE curriculum through the arts and music.
Curiosity
RE will encourage children to think about the beliefs of others and to ask questions. Our Enquiry Approach and Big Question for each unit ensure children are encouraged to be curious learners whilst developing an understanding for how people of different backgrounds or beliefs may share similar values whilst respecting their differences.
Courage
Through RE, children will learn how courage is demonstrated in different religions and cultures. The children will be taught to be courageous in the decisions they make and to have the courage to do and say the right thing even if it isn’t the easier route to take.
Cooperation
Exploring different cultures and religions will give the children the skills to develop respect for others including people with different faiths and beliefs and challenge prejudice. Within our teaching of RE we seek to encourage generosity and compassion.
Independence
Through RE teaching the children will begin to consider their responsibilities to themselves and others and to explore how they might contribute to their communities and the wider world. The children will be encouraged to make independent choices routed in their deep sense of their own personal and our School Core Values.
