Religious Education (RE)

Intent

At Starbeck Primary Academy we want our children to be critical thinkers, questioning and discussing topics from different points of view. We want them to celebrate the diversity of the UK and respect differences in beliefs and religion, realising that everyone is equal irrespective of race, gender, disability, belief, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic background. We want our children to have a thirst for learning about different religions and be reflective on the contrasting cultures and contexts within our society and around the world.

The RE curriculum at Starbeck Primary Academy is designed to raise awareness and teach understanding of the different religions and beliefs from around the world. It’s purpose is to create acceptance and tolerance of differences, and to embrace the thoughts of others, whilst providing knowledge of different religions. It’s aim is for the children to understand that some people are religious and some people are not, to understand the main aspects of the different religions and embed learning, understanding and reflecting on the contrasting cultures and contexts.

Implementation

The North Yorkshire Agreed Syllabus for RE is used throughout the school, from Reception to year 6. All classes use the teaching units, resources and materials, teaching RE throughout the school year. These units challenge the children’s thoughts and build on religious knowledge, ensuring progression in the subject, with links to the children’s experiences. The main Christian festivals, Christmas and Easter, are studied in all year groups. This curriculum covers a variety of religions, including atheist views and scientific theories to provide and broad and balanced subject knowledge.

In the EYFS, pupils are introduced to Christianity as religion that most influences school and community life. They are taught about traditions, beliefs and world views outside of their own experiences through exploring other cultures and practices in the wider world.

Strong local community-linked learning opportunities are integral to our RE curriculum, with the two local churches enhancing the curriculum by leading teachings and creating ‘awe and wonder’ events at both churches. Visits to religious places of worship help enrich the outdoor experience across the subject, further igniting the passion for learning.

RE is taught through a variety of different ways, including written work, discussions and debates, art and craft activities and practical involvement by experiencing festivals and taking the children’s learning outside. This allows the curriculum to be accessible to all, removing the barriers to learning, so that all children can reach their potential in the subject.

All children take part in an act of collective worship daily at Starbeck Primary Academy. This celebrates all aspects of the world we live in, promoting reflection and thanks for our lives. Aspects of collective worship include: learning about and celebrating different religious festivals; the spiritual effect of music; the celebration of the amazing world we live in, but also reflecting on the negative impact that humans can have on the world and each other and praising the achievements of others.