Religious Education
Subject Intent
Here at Skegby Junior Academy we recognise the value that a high quality Religious Education curriculum can offer to our pupils.
Religious Education has a significant role for the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. It promotes respect and open-mindedness towards others with different faiths and beliefs and encourages pupils to develop their sense of identity and belonging through self-awareness and reflection. The principle aim of RE is to engage pupils in an enquiry approach where they can develop an understanding and appreciation for the expression of beliefs, cultural practices and influence of principle religions and worldviews in the local, national and wider global community.
The key aims for religious education are reflected in the two attainment targets.
Attainment Target 1- Learning about religion and belief
Attainment target 2- Learning from religion and belief
The development of knowledge, skills and understanding focuses on these two key aspects of learning in Religious Education.
Nottinghamshire Agreed Syllabus Aims for RE
The Nottinghamshire Agreed Syllabus for RE aims to ensure that all pupils:
Know about and understand a range of religions and worldviews, so that they can:
- Describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices, recognise the diversity which exists within and between communities;
- Identify, investigate and respond to questions posed by, and responses offered by some of the sources of wisdom found in religions and worldviews;
- Appreciate and appraise the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning.
Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and world views, so that they can:
- Explain reasonably their ideas about how beliefs, practices and forms of expression influence individual and communities;
- Express with increasing discernment their personal reflections and critical responses to questions and teachings about identity, diversity, meaning and value;
- Appreciate and appraise varied dimensions of religion
Gain and deploy the skills needed to engage seriously with religions and worldviews, so that they can:
- Find out about and investigate key concepts and questions of belonging, meaning, purpose and truth, responding creatively;
- Enquire into what enables different communities to live together respectfully for the wellbeing of all;
- Articulate beliefs, values and commitments clearly in order to explain reasons why they may be important in their own and other people’s lives.
Subject Implementation
We follow the Nottinghamshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education and this is supported by the Discovery Scheme. Religious Education (RE) is taught to all children except those who are taken out by their parents. Our teaching promotes the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils. It reflects the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian whilst taking account of the teaching and practices of other principal religions represented in Great Britain. Our teaching enables pupils to acquire knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs, attitudes, practices and rituals. They will also develop their own beliefs and values. We will not convert or steer pupils towards a particular religious belief. They will also be aware that some people have no attachment to religious beliefs and follow secular philosophies.
Religious Education DfE Guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/religious-education-guidance-in-english-schools-non-statutory-guidance-2010
Parental Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE)
We respect the rights of parents and carers regarding their child’s education. Under current legislation, parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education (RE) lessons. This includes activities related to Religious Education that do not form part of the statutory National Curriculum.
If you wish to exercise this right, we ask that you inform the school in writing, detailing whether you are withdrawing your child from all or specific parts of the RE curriculum. We are happy to discuss any concerns you may have and provide further information to help you make an informed decision.