Religious Education
RE at Heather Ridge
Our Religious Education teaching and learning is in accordance with Surrey’s “Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education”.
Surrey SACRE - Diocese of Guildford (cofeguildford.org.uk)
The children learn about Christianity, Judaism and Islam, either as separate subjects or as part of the school’s topics. We believe it is important that our children become familiar with the main world religions as appropriate to their level of understanding to teach tolerance and respect for those with different beliefs or no belief, as stated in the British Values that all schools must teach.
The syllabus introduces children to different beliefs and how they affect how people live, as well as ideas about identity, belonging, values and commitment.
Intent
Our intent is for children to make sense of what they have learnt in RE and develop their own individual religious perspective and understanding through shared experiences, reasoning and reflection. Our joint aim is for children to understand and appreciate cultural differences and live among the community as considerate and responsible individuals. We also aim for children to know about and understand different religions, and learn skills to express ideas, beliefs and insights about their learning. Children are encouraged to reflect on all and discuss all of these ideas and values, including their own whilst promoting their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Implementation
The RE curriculum is implemented in a way that enables pupils to acquire and develop the knowledge, skills and vocabulary they need to progress further. At Heather Ridge, we aim to provide a curriculum that also engages pupils in a meaningful way. Our RE progression from YR through to Y2 enables the children to develop, apply and embed their skills through weekly lessons building on what they already know and can do. In YR the children learn RE though 3 core concepts: Specialness, Celebrations and Belonging. These concepts are built upon in KS1 where the children will continue to study Christianity plus aspects of other religions such as Judaism and Islam.
The use of suitable fiction, the exploration of social and moral issues and appropriate stories and artefacts from these religions are used to promote understanding.
Assemblies
Our whole school assemblies are an enjoyable and valued part of the school day and provide opportunities to gather as a whole school to explore a range of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. They offer an opportunity for exploration and reflection as well as time for sharing our school values.
We teach values such as Tolerance, Respect and Kindness through our assemblies and in class through the use of stories, videos and role play.
We have established community links with Heather Valetta, curate at St. Paul’s church Camberley and the children’s minister Grace McAdam at St. Barbara’s Heatherside. Both are active members in our local community offering groups for our children and families to attend regularly in the locality.
Impact
The impact of our curriculum is for the children to have a respect for other people’s values and beliefs as well having the skill to reflect on their own beliefs and values. To appreciate and be thankful for all we have, is celebrated throughout the school. Our progression of skills ensure that children become thoughtful, respectful and reflective learners. Teachers plan carefully and use resources supported by Surrey SACRE to ensure that children make progress with their learning in RE. Assessment for learning is every lesson is used to inform teacher’s planning. Children are also allowed time and given the opportunity to excel during RE sessions.