RE

RE Curriculum Intent

At Aspire we believe that it is important for our students to to learn about religion in order for them to have a deeper understanding of the world around them. We believe that by learning about a range of religious and non religious worldviews that they can build a deeper understanding of and show respect to the community, cultures and religions within our school and beyond. We use big questions to open up learning and plan for children to gain a rich knowledge of religion which is appropriate for their stage of learning. 

At Aspire it is important to us that children are able to go out into the world with knowledge and skills to understand their own beliefs and those of others. We teach the values of tolerance, respect and celebration of difference.  

RE Curriculum Implementation

We use a range of strategies to allow children to think and consider the big questions that the RE curriculum brings. RE lessons are designed to allow children to give their own views, beliefs and opinions while also respectfully challenging those of others. In each key stage the syllabus requires that all pupils learn from Christianity, in addition children also learn from the principal religions represented in the UK which are - Islam, Hinduism,Sikhism, Buddhism and Judaism. Furthermore, children explore where non-religious worldviews are held and represented these worldviews, including for example Humanism, are also studied. 

We follow the Bexley agreed Syllabus which allows children to engage in enquiries into significant human questions which religions and worldviews address. Through this curriculum children have the opportunity to explore RE through a variety of ways including art, music, drama, dance as well as formal writing and discussions.  We have also chosen to use RE immersive days where children participate in a significant celebration for  different religions 3 times a year. This allows our children to gain a hands-on experience of what it is like to be a part of a religious community. 

RE lessons are taught in depth for 3 half terms in the year for one hour each week. For the remaining 3 half terms RE days are planned and prepared for children to complete a whole day learning experience about a religion or religious celebration, during which outside workshops, in school workshops, events, visits and other activities are planned. 

In each lesson children are given the opportunity to reflect upon their learning. Children are encouraged to draw, write, express and present their learning experiences in a variety of ways. All lessons are recorded in a ‘Class scrapbook’ allowing for class work, photos and art to be collaborated and show the whole learning process that took place within each lesson. 

Teachers are encouraged to develop debating skills, challenge beliefs, use stories, videos and songs to create a learning experience that focuses on the core concepts of each religion, allowing children to encounter diverse examples of religions and world views. We aim for children to be in lessons that embeds learning experiences into their long term memory applying their learning to living. 

RE Curriculum Impact

Through our RE curriculum children at Aspire should have a broad and balanced understanding and awareness of the world around them.

• • Children will acknowledge the diversity, religion and beliefs of our local community and know how they can add to this. 
  • Children will be confident in discussing big religious questions and know how to be a respectful listener. 
  • Children will be respectful of other people's views and beliefs and know that religious education has an impact in our wider community and society. 
  • Children will know that they are a part of a community where their own thoughts, views and beliefs are valued and are safe to be shared. 
  • Children will leave Aspire respectful of religions and those who follow those religions and to continue to ask important questions.