Religious Education

In RE it is our intent is to deliver a curriculum which is in line with our school vision:
Our Community fosters dignity by valuing every individual and their God-given uniqueness. We endeavour to act justly, showing love and respect. We thrive through growing resilience and living together gratefully with joy.

It is also our intent that the school values are embodied in all aspects of the RE Department:
Love - ‘Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.’ Corinthians 13:4
Respect - ‘So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…’ Matthew 7:12
Endeavour - ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord...’ Colossians 3:23

As a Church of England school, the teaching of Religious Education is valued as part of our wide and varied curriculum.Through our Religious Education curriculum, we aim:
• 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
• to encourage students to be critical thinkers and develop their literacy ability
• to promote pupils’ personal, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
• to enable our pupils to develop a positive attitude towards people who hold beliefs different from their own. To be open minded to other points of view and to identify and challenge misconceptions and prejudice. To listen to each other and not be afraid of making their own voice heard, justifying their viewpoint with reasoned consideration
• to develop responsibility and respect for all aspects of diversity, whether it be social, cultural and religious, worldviews and prepare pupils well for life in todays diverse and modern Britain
• to equip all students with the ability to think for themselves as they study philosophical, theological and social issues

We follow the Worcestershire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2020-25. The curriculum will 'reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main, Christian, while taking into account the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain'.
Religious Education is taught for the equivilant of 1 hour a week per year group.
The curriculum covers a range of topics exploring religious and worldviews. Lessons are planned and delivered in a variety of ways so that all children can participate fully.
Pupils' progress in Religious Education is based on the expected outcomes outlined in the Worcestershire Agreed Syllabus and in line with school policy. Progress is based on class assessments, evidence from pupil books, oracy contributions.

We hope to inspire each student to:

• know where beliefs come from, how they have changed over time, how they are applied differently in different contexts and how they relate to each other.
• explore the diverse ways in which people practise their beliefs.
• understand the impact of religion, worldviews and belief on individuals, communities and societies.
• find out how and whether things make sense and engage with questions of morality and ethics.
• develop the skills of reflection, discernment, critical thinking, and deciding how to act in accordance with an informed conscience when making ethical decisions.
• show empathy and understanding of ideas they may not always support
• write successfully for a range of purposes. skills of enquiry and response through the use of religious vocabulary, questioning and empathy;
• develop their sense of identity and belonging in the world, preparing them for life as citizens in a multi-cultural global society;
• consider their own thoughts and opinions on the challenging questions of the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, their own self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human;
• learn about religious and ethical teaching, enabling them to make reasoned and informed responses to religious, moral and social issues;
• develop respect for and sensitivity to others, in particular those whose faiths and beliefs are different from their own;
• preparedness for life in a multi-cultural global society where they can exist in harmony with others and live life to the full.