Religious Education
INTENT
Religious Education is concerned with the deep meaning that individuals and groups make of their experiences and how this helps them give purpose to their lives. The purpose of RE is to help pupils to reflect upon the experiences and the mysteries of life and the contribution of religious and spiritual dimensions. RE is an essential component of a broad and balanced education.
At Bisley CofE Primary school, children learn about religions - Christianity and other principal religious traditions represented in Great Britain. In these studies, they learn about and understand beliefs, teachings and sources, religious practices and ways of life, and ways of expressing meaning.
At Bisley CofE Primary school, children learn from religion. This includes expressing ideas and insights into questions of identity, diversity and belonging, meaning, purpose and truth, values and commitments. They recognise the right of people to hold diverse beliefs and values, and to develop positive attitudes of respect towards other people.
Curriculum planning reflects a good balance between theology, philosophy and human science. Pupils are able to engage with religious text and theological ideas.
They will develop age appropriate skills of enquiry, critical analysis and interpretation and benefit from opportunities to enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
IMPLEMENTATION
Religious Education follows the Guildford Diocesan Guidelines and directs no less than 5% of the teaching timetable to specific RE teaching (this directed time does not include acts of worship).
RE is taught by class teachers as it is another avenue in which to know our children through our vision of the hand, the head and the heart. It is assessed termly and those assessments identify areas to address in order to close the gap.
Lessons are taught in a variety of ways – drama, art, discussion, scripture study, written work as well as visits arranged to places of worship. The school leader for RE has regular opportunities to share new ideas and pedagogy thus ensuring that all staff teaching RE do so with confidence and to a high standard.
IMPACT
Religious Education lessons provide a safe space for pupils to discuss religious, spiritual and philosophical ideas. Pupils demonstrate an informed and respectful understanding of a range of religions and worldviews, and explain ways in which their thinking has been challenged. Statutory obligations are met and RE is largely in line with the Church of England Statement of Entitlement.
The Guidelines secures for all pupils, irrespective of social background, culture, race, religion, gender, differences in ability and disabilities, an entitlement to learning in RE. This contributes to their developing knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes, which are necessary for their personal fulfillment and development as active and responsible citizens.
The Guidelines makes expectations for learning and attainment explicit to pupils, parents, teachers, governors, employers and the public, and establishes standards for the performance of all pupils in RE. These standards may be used to set targets for improvement and measure progress towards those targets.
The Guidelines contribute to a coherent curriculum that promotes continuity. It facilitates the transition of pupils between phases of education and can provide foundations for further study and lifelong learning.
The Guidelines will increase public understanding of, and confidence in, the work of schools in RE.
'Pupils are challenged and supported in this caring and nurturing Christian environment which has led to improved attainment and progress for most pupils. The teaching of RE is good. This has led to high quality outcomes from pupils who have gained a good theological understanding and strong religious literacy regardless of their own faith background.' SIAMS June 2019
Key Documents
RE Long Term Plan for Years 1-2
RE Long Term Plan for Years 3-4
Meet our RE Team
Mrs Bamford - RE Lead
Mr Priestley - RE Team