Religious Education
Welcome to
Religious Education at Birkdale Primary School.
Syllabus
At Birkdale Primary, we follow the Sefton Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.
Principal Aim
RE explores big questions about life, in order to find out what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that pupils can make sense of religion and worldviews, and reflect on their own ideas and ways of living.
The Aims of Religious Education
The threefold aim of RE elaborates the principal aim. The curriculum for RE aims to ensure that all pupils:
1.Know about and understand a range of religious and non-religious worldviews , so that they can:
• describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices, recognising the diversity which exists within and between communities and amongst individuals
• identify, investigate and respond to questions posed, and responses offered, by some of the sources of wisdom found in religious and non-religious worldviews
• appreciate and appraise the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning.
2.Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religious and non-religious worldviews, so that they can:
• explain, using reasoned arguments, their ideas about how beliefs, practices and forms of expression influence individuals and communities
• express with increasing discernment their personal reflections and critical responses to questions and teachings about identity, diversity, meaning and value, including ethical issues
• appreciate and appraise varied dimensions of religion.
3. Gain and deploy the skills needed to engage seriously with religious and non-religious worldviews, so that they can:
• investigate key concepts and questions of belonging, meaning, purpose and truth, responding creatively
• enquire into what enables different individuals and communities to live together respectfully for the wellbeing of all
• articulate clearly beliefs, values and commitments in order to explain why they may be important in their own and other people’s lives. Teachers should consider how their teaching contributes towards the principal aim of RE (p. 8) and how they help pupils to achieve the threefold aim above.
Intent
Why do we learn Religious Education?
We learn RE to promote our understanding and respect for the beliefs and practices of different religions around the world.
What do we teach our children?
Children may begin to explore the world of religion in terms of special people, books, times, places, objects and religious festivals. They listen to and talk about stories. They are introduced to religious words where appropriate and use their senses in exploring religions and beliefs, practices and forms of expression. They reflect on their own feelings and experiences. They use their imagination and curiosity to develop their appreciation and wonder of the world in which they live.
Early Years Foundation Stage
Throughout Early Years Foundation Stage, pupils explore a range of themes in their curriculum.
Key Stage One
Throughout Key Stage 1, pupils explore Christianity and Judaism through key questions. They learn about different beliefs about God and the world around them. They encounter and respond to a range of stories, artefacts and other religious materials. They learn to recognise that beliefs are expressed in a variety of ways, and begin to use specialist vocabulary. They begin to understand the importance and value of religion and belief, especially for other children and their families. Pupils ask relevant questions and develop a sense of wonder about the world, using their imaginations. They talk about what is important to them and others, valuing themselves, reflecting on their own feelings and experiences and developing a sense of belonging.
Key Stage Two
Throughout Key Stage Two, pupils continue to learn about Christianity and Judaism together with an introduction to Hinduism Islam, Humanism and non- religious worldviews recognising the impact of religion and belief, personally, locally, nationally and globally. They make connections and comparisons between different religious beliefs, customs and symbols. They recognise the challenges involved in distinguishing between ideas of right and wrong, and valuing what is good and true. They communicate their ideas, recognising other people’s viewpoints. They consider their own beliefs and values and those of others in the light of their learning in religious education. In upper key stage two, children are introduced to Humanism and Non- religious world views.
Introducing our Religious Education ambassador
Our children love to express their creativity through in RE lessons and celebration days.
Diwali Celebration Day 2022!
The whole school celebrated Diwali day in lots of different ways.
