Intent

At Christ Church, the aim of Religious Education is to help children to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other major world religions represented in Great Britain. We aim to understand the way that religious beliefs shape our lives and our behaviour; develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance our spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Religious Education is taught throughout the school in such a way as to reflect the overall aims, values, and philosophy of our school. As a Diocesan Church of England school, Religious Education plays an important role, along with all other curriculum areas, particularly PSHE and the teaching of British Values, in promoting the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of our children. Strong links are made with our school Vision and Ethos of:

‘“Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. Love one another warmly as Christians, and be eager to show respect for one another. Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.” Romans 12:9-12

The children at Christ Church enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose, or choose not to follow a religion. Through their R.E. learning, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world. Through R.E. our children are developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life and worship, which they are then able to communicate to the wider community.

Implementation

It has been agreed that having taken into account the requirements and guidelines presented in the Agreed Syllabus, the following religions have been selected for study: 

Christianity – through the Chester Diocese project ‘Understanding Christianity’

    The RE syllabus also includes the teaching of:

• Islam
• Judaism
• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• Sikhism 
   As a Church of England Primary school, Christianity is the predominant religion in the school's pupil population and in the community surrounding the school, Christianity is the main faith studied each year. However, all children will experience at least four other major world faiths across their school learning journey.
  There are no presumptions made as to the religious backgrounds, and beliefs and values of the children and the staff.  We value the religious background of all members of the school community and hope that this will encourage individuals to share their own experiences with others freely.  All religions and their communities are treated with respect and sensitivity and we value the links, which are, and can be made between home, school, and a faith community.  We acknowledge that each religion studied can contribute to the education of all our pupils.  We promote teaching in Religious Education that stresses open enquiry and first-hand experiences wherever possible for both staff and children. 

Impact

The children at Christ Church Primary School enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose, or choose not to follow a religion. Through their R.E. learning, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world.

The children will demonstrate an understanding of learning from religious education and will be able to reflect on how specific values and concepts relate to them and their own lives.

Through R.E. teaching and learning, our children are developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life and worship, which they are then able to communicate to the wider community.