Why is R.E. important?

At Spaldwick Primary, we believe that R.E. plays a vital role in helping our children to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse world around them. Through the study of different religions, beliefs, and values, our children gain the knowledge and skills to engage with complex questions about identity, meaning, purpose, and morality.

R.E. teaches children “religious literacy”, which plays an important role in preparing children for life in modern Britain. Someone who is religiously literate can talk with fluency and understanding about religion and belief, and a crucial aspect of religious literacy and oracy is developed through R.E.

How is R.E. taught?

We have taken the requirements and guidelines presented in the Cambridgeshire Agreed Syllabus for 2023-2028 and used them to build an enriching, thorough and relevant R.E. curriculum.

In KS1 our pupils learn about and from principal religions represented in the UK - Christianity, Islam and Judaism. In KS2 they will spend time looking at these religions more in depth to ask and answer bigger questions and will also be introduced to other religions including Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. Other, non-religious worldviews, for example Humanism, are also a focus of study in KS2.

Pupils in the EYFS learn about religions and worldviews through special people, stories, times, places and objects. They are encouraged to talk about and reflect on special times and events within their family and share their own experiences. They learn about special celebrations and are encouraged to compare these with their own family customs and traditions.

Our curriculum ensures that pupils gain the skills they need to engage seriously with religions and worldviews. Our pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of R.E. through:

• Handling artefacts
• Visits to places of worship
• Inviting guest speakers from different faith communities
• Using drama to express feelings and ideas
• Responding to images, games, movies, art, music and dance
• Independent and group research projects
• Creating pieces of art based on religious imagery
• Comparing and contrasting religions through discussion
• Debating philosophical ideas regarding faiths and asking/answering ultimate questions posed by these

You can find more information about the Cambridgeshire Agreed Syllabus here.

How do we assess and monitor R.E.?

Class teachers update an assessment grid after each term (6 weeks). The R.E. leader monitors this to identify areas of strength and where development is required through school. The R.E. leader then plans appropriate next steps, including CPD for staff, and uses the data to create the action plan where necessary.

RE is provided for all pupils, and is inclusive and broad minded. Parents do have the right to withdraw pupils from RE: if you wish to do this, please make an appointment with the Headteacher.