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St Mary's CE Primary School

Everyone learning, everyone succeeding.

R.E

‘The principal aim of religious education is to explore what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that pupils can gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religion and belief, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living’

(Worcestershire Agreed Syllabus)

 

At St Mary's, we use the 2020-2025 Worcestershire Agreed Syllabus to support and inform our teaching of Religious Education across school. We use Understanding Christianity to further develop the children's knowledge and understanding of Christianity theology.

 

Intent

 

At St Mary's, the aim of RE is to enable pupils to become religiously literate or to develop their existing religious literacy. We engage pupils with human questions about religions and worldwide views, from which our children will build respect, skills and understanding to develop, give and appreciate all responses and beliefs.

 

There are 3 main aims which are:

 

Know about and understand a range of religions and worldviews so they can :

- Describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices, recognising the diversity within and between communities and amongst individuals.

- Identify, investigate and respond to questions.

- Appreciate and appraise the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life.

 

Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and worldviews so they can:

- Explain reasonably their ideas

- Express their personal reflections and critical responses to questions

- Appreciate and appraise varied dimensions of religion.

 

Gain and deploy skills needed to engage seriously with religions and worldviews so they can:

- Find out about and investigate key concepts

- Enquire into what enables individuals and communities to live together respectfully for the well -being of all.

- Articulate beliefs, values and commitments clearly in order to explain why they may be important in their own and other peoples lives.

 

These aims will be taught through a range of key questions which will be explored, discussed and investigated by the children in a wide range of exciting teaching strategies in order for the children to fully understand and show appreciation for religions and world views.

 

Collective Worship

Collective Worship is held daily in our school and gives us the opportunity to meet as a community and learn about Christianity and other world faiths and religions.

 

On Mondays, Collective Worship is led by our Headteacher, Miss Perrett. We focus on one Christian Value each term and share stories from the Bible linked to the seasons of the church year. We also look at stories from other religions that link to our values.

Autumn - RESPECT

Spring - FORGIVENESS

Summer - GENEROSITY

 

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, children focus on an age-appropriate current news story through Picture News. Each week children are asked to discuss and debate a thought-provoking question. British Values are used to support the children to identify and understand how each news story may impact them. The 8 key Christian concepts are used to link the news story to the Bible.

 

On Wednesday, children take part in phase singing assembly. This is an important part of Worship at St Mary’s and gives us the chance to learn traditional Christian hymns as well songs that reflect the inclusivity of our school.

 

Our final Collective Worship assembly takes place as a whole school on Friday, led by our deputy Headteacher Miss Heeley. Awards are given to children that have demonstrated our value over the week.

 

“Collective worship is an important part of the life of the school. It is inclusive, inspirational and inspiring, enhancing the overall ethos of the school and reflecting its life and character.”

SIAMs report 2019