Intent

At Hempstalls Primary School, our approach to Religious Education is all about engaging and inspiring our children. We believe that it’s crucial for children to not only learn about various religious beliefs, values, and traditions, but also to tackle challenging questions that arise from them. Our curriculum is designed to empower our children with the knowledge and skills needed to explore the diverse tapestry of faiths in our multi-cultural society.  

We want our children to understand that Religious Education isn’t just an academic subject; it encourages sensitivity and helps combat prejudice. By fostering an environment where different beliefs are respected and understood, we’re preparing our children for adult life, employment, and lifelong learning. Ultimately, we aim to develop a rigorous understanding of the numerous religious traditions and practices, equipping them with the tools of tolerance and navigate an increasingly diverse world. 

Implementation 

At Hempstalls Primary School, we approach the implementation of Religious Education by utilising the SACRE Agreed Syllabus. To enhance our curriculum, we rely on our school R.E overview, which outlines the knowledge, skills, and progression for our children. This document serves as a valuable guide, introducing both teachers and children to seek answers about the religions they study. 

Understanding that pedagogical methods are crucial in helping children remember their diverse multicultural and religious encounters, we focus on three key concepts: Symbols and religious expressions, Teaching and practices, and Significant people and places. Children will use the disciplinary knowledge of - explore, engage and reflect, where they will understand religions and traditions through sacred texts,  imaginative role plays or drama to express feelings and ideas, respond to images, games, stories, art, music and dance, meet visitors from local religious communities, make visits to religious places of worship where possible, and where not, making use of videos and the internet.  

Children will use the concept of GODDLE to explore, engage, and reflect on the big enquiry question. During circle time or P4C (Philosophy for Children), children will get a chance to voice their opinions and reflect on subjects like faith, community, and religions. This approach encourages open discussions and asking questions, allowing children to share their thoughts and beliefs in a safe environment. It's a fantastic way to nurture their curiosity and critical thinking skills! 

In our approach to implementing Religious Education, we aim to use engaging religious stories that resonate with the children. By incorporating meaningful vocabulary linked to these narratives, we help our children to speak confidently about the religion and its rich history. This focus on language not only enhances their understanding but also ensures they can use the vocabulary thoughtfully, fostering a deeper connection with the religions and the key concepts.  

In Early Years, children will focus on Christianity and the richness of our diverse culture and communities.   

In KS1 children will study Christianity and Islam. 

In KS2 children will study Christianity and two other religions which are Islam and Hinduism. 

Judaism, Sikhism, and Buddhism religions are highlighted during faith in focus days, aligning with special festivals and celebrations, enriching the overall learning experience. 

Impact

The impact of our Religious Education (R.E) curriculum is deeply rooted in the voices of our children, gathered through lively discussions, engaging debates, and expressive drama in the classroom. Alongside weekly and termly retrievals and reviews, these methods allow us to truly understand the children’s perspectives on the subject. Through R.E, we aim to enhance children's awareness of themselves and those around them, building a solid understanding of the role religion and belief play in today's world. 

Our curriculum encourages children to explore, engage with, and reflect on key concepts, fostering both moral awareness and social understanding. As they delve into various faiths and perspectives, they learn to appreciate not only their beliefs but also those of others. This appreciation is crucial, as it shapes individuals and influences entire communities, societies, and cultures. By promoting respect and challenging stereotypes, we equip our children with the tools to navigate a diverse world thoughtfully and empathetically. Ultimately, our R.E curriculum is not just about learning; it's about making a meaningful impact on the way our children view and interact with the world around them.