Purpose of study

Religion and beliefs inform our values and are reflected in what we say and how we behave. RE is an important subject in itself, developing an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs which form part of contemporary society. Religious education provokes challenging questions about the ultimate 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. It can develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, of other principal religions, other religious traditions and worldviews that offer answers to questions such as these.

RE also contributes to pupils’ personal development and well-being and to community cohesion by promoting mutual respect and tolerance in a diverse society. RE can also make important contributions to other parts of the school curriculum such as citizenship, personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE education), the humanities, education for sustainable development and others. It offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development, deepening the understanding of the significance of religion in the lives of others – individually, communally and cross-culturally.

Religious Education in English Schools: 2010

Holland Park Curriculum Intent Statement for Religious Education

At Holland Park Primary School, the aim of Religious Education is to assist children in their developing knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other faiths represented in the UK and our local area. Religious Education is an essential component of a broad and balanced curriculum. Therefore, our aim will be to engage, inspire, challenge and encourage pupils, supplying them with the knowledge and skills to answer questions and explore a range of different religious beliefs, values and traditions. By learning from and about a range of different religions, the children are able to understand the world around them and begin to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. We want our pupils to know how religious education promotes discernment and enables pupils to combat prejudice, preparing them for adult life, employment and life-long learning. Our aim is for our pupils to show respect for other people’s views and use their knowledge to celebrate the religious diversity found in society. Throughout the years, our children will continue to develop a sense of awe, wonder and mystery!

Holland Park Curriculum Principles for History

What RE looks like at HP

• Religious Education sessions to be taught as standalone lessons to ensure detailed coverage
• Where possible, Religious Education lessons will be accompanied by relevant artefacts
• Each year builds on the previous year, allowing for adequate progression throughout the school
• Holland Park will follow Essex (explore) – SACRE recommends that RE should be taught for a minimum of 36 hours per year (equivalent to 60 minutes a week) in KS1 and 45 hours per year (equivalent to 75 minutes per week) in KS2.
• The following six study units will be explored in Key Stage 1: special people, special places, special words and stories, special things in nature, special symbols and objects, special ways of living
• In KS2, pupils will develop their knowledge of Christianity and other principal religions, recognising the impact of religion and belief on individuals and society locally, nationally and globally
• Where possible, RE sessions will draw upon real life experiences and allow the children to make links between their learning and their real life

How we are going to achieve everything that is set out in the curriculum

• Expectations that RE is taught weekly
• Each year group will cover a range of religions, exploring different beliefs, values and experiences
• Teachers to have access to a range of relevant resources and artefacts to support the teaching of RE throughout the year
• To ensure its broad and complete coverage, our curriculum is closely framed around the Essex (explore)
• As a school, we will consider the faith backgrounds of the children in our school to ensure that we help these children celebrate their key festivals
• Provide children with open-ended tasks to encourage a range of responses and allow children to explore their beliefs

Non-negotiables/expectations for staff and pupils

• All staff will model and promote a non-prejudice view of all religions, consistently demonstrating our own sense of awe and wonder as we explore different faiths alongside the children
• Staff and pupils will learn with and demonstrate respect and open-mindedness so barriers and misconceptions can be broken down

Cultural capital and power of knowledge in RE

• Where possible, children will be provided with real life experiences linked to their learning
• The study of other world faiths
• Have access to and use a range of media to provide information, including key artefacts
• Performances relating to religious stories e.g. KS1 Nativity, KS2 Carol Concert
• Visits to places of worship e.g. the local church