RE

The St. John's Approach to teaching R.E.- Our intent

Religious Education in our school is intended to enable every child to flourish and to live life in all its fullness. (John 10:10). This is underpinned by our school vision and associated values- linked to Matthew 5:16. We aim to provide a high-quality sequential Religious Education (RE) programme, teaching a full curriculum that prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in modern Britain. Central to religious education in our school is the study of Christianity as a living and diverse faith, focused on the teachings of Jesus and the Church. As an inclusive community, our school also provides sequenced learning about a range of religions and worldviews, fostering respect for others and encouraging all to live well together. through Religious Education, pupils develop their knowledge of the world faiths, and their understanding and awareness of the beliefs, values and traditions of other individuals, societies, communities and cultures. Reflection is a key part of all learning at St. John’s so during R.E. lessons and beyond, we encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences.

The implementation of R.E. within our school

 At St. John’s, R.E. is taught in all year groups for one hour each week. We use programmes of study for R.E. recommended to us by the Diocesan Board of Education. They are ‘Understanding Christianity’ and the ‘Coventry and Warwickshire Agreed Syllabus for R.E’.

Children start their Religious Education on-entry to Reception where they learn about different religions through stories and godly play. In Reception, they are encouraged to reflect on their learning with the teacher weekly and these reflections become independent as they move throughout the school.

The following religions are taught our school:

Reception and Key Stage 1: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism

Key Stage 2: A deeper look at Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism as well as introductions to Sikhism, Buddhism and Humanism

Our Religious Education curriculum is enhanced further with a range of enrichment opportunities. These include child- led worship, performances, trips to places of worship in our local area and visitors to school from a variety of religions.

The Big Story of the Bible

In our school, we use the Understanding Christianity frieze (see below!) which depicts the 'Big Story of the Bible' pictorially. A large version is on display in the main corridor within school with key questions to prompt reflections. It also encourages children to make sense and think of their own 'big' questions, individually and with their peers.

Parent Communication

Thank-you so much for completing the R.E. questionnaire; it was lovely to read the overwhelmingly positive comments around what we do and the impact it has on your children. As always, we’re always looking of ways to improve our communications with you. You said you really liked receiving our ‘Topic Maps’ and ‘Knowledge Organisers’ and suggested it would be great to have a newsletter specifically linked to R.E.