RE is taught in our school using a spiral curriculum which revisits themes and asks questions in different ways to deepen the knowledge of and recognise the diversity within different cultures, faiths and world religions.
The RE curriculum enables the children to grasp a bigger picture about the place of religion and non-religion in the world.
As our context is predominantly White/British, our curriculum promotes the rich diversity of Britain and an inclusive culture and ethos built upon respect and consideration of all others. It enables pupils to develop the cultural capital required to engage with society and understand the importance of being a good UK and global citizen.
The curriculum has a logical progression throughout the key stages which enables children to build on world religions. The curriculum is designed and delivered to allow knowledge to be embedded into long term memory. It is sequenced so that children build on knowledge and skills and work towards achieving clear endpoints
What is taught and learned in RE is grounded in what is known about religion and non-religion from academic study. This prevents the children from developing misconceptions.
Teachers know when the children have secured their learning by checking children’s understanding effectively and correcting misunderstandings through:
- Regular quizzes/knowledge checks
- Checking on the understanding and appropriate use of technical vocabulary
- lively debate and discussions
Pupils study certain areas of the curriculum in depth and acquire a range of detailed knowledge of different concepts and ideas which they remember long term. Drawing on this prior knowledge enables them to consider more complex ideas about religion.
Teachers have excellent knowledge of the subject or are supported to address gaps in their own knowledge. Teachers enable children to learn key concepts and encourage appropriate discussion.
In Early Years RE is taught weekly. The children discuss religious topics and create big class books. The books can be revisited and discussed with the children to ensure the children use and remember the knowledge, facts and vocabulary they learn. They do this through listening to and retelling stories, role play, looking at art and artefacts, building models and having discussions.
In Key stages 1 and 2, RE is taught in blocks and on a rolling 2 year programme. (see below)
The regularity of the knowledge checks supports the acquisition of knowledge and technical vocabulary enabling it to be embedded into the long-term memory. Our aim is for children to use their knowledge of different religions to be able to discuss, debate and disagree respectfully.
