RE

RE at Cloverlea

Intent

Religious Education enables children to investigate and reflect on some of the most fundamental questions asked by people. At Cloverlea Primary School we develop the children’s knowledge and understanding of the major faiths of the world and we address fundamental questions such as the meaning of life and the existence of a divine spirit. We enable the children to reflect on what it means to have a faith whilst providing opportunities for them to begin to develop their own spiritual knowledge and understanding. We help the children to learn from religions as well to learn about religions.

'All children need to acquire core knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of the religions and worldviews which not only shape their history and culture but which guide their own development. The modern world needs young people who are sufficiently confident in their own beliefs and values that they can respect the religious and cultural differences of others, and contribute to a cohesive and compassionate society.’

(The Right Hon, Michael Gove, former Secretary of State for Education, 2013 RE Review and new 'non-statutory' National Curriculum Framework for RE)

National Curriculum

The National Curriculum states the legal requirement that: “Every state-funded school must offer a curriculum which is balanced and broadly based, and which:

• Promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society, and:
• Prepares pupils at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.”

And: “All state schools... must teach religious education to pupils at every key stage..."

Implementation

Cloverlea uses the new RE Syllabus for Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford pupils which establishes what shall be taught in RE. The syllabus actively promotes values, including British Values and spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC).

The school also uses the scheme ‘Jigsaw’ for the teaching of PSHE which promotes tolerance and respect for others.

Our teaching and learning styles in RE enable children to build on their own experiences and to extend their knowledge and understanding of religious traditions. Children will be encouraged to research different religious topics. We use their experiences at religious festivals such as Diwali, Easter and Passover, etc., to develop religious thinking. Where possible, representatives of local religious groups are invited to come into school to talk to the children.

Enrichment 

Cloverlea welcomes visitors from different faiths into school for assemblies or to work with classes. At Christmas, all children visit nearby Christ Church to participate in a carol service for the school community. The vicar from Christ Church also helps to leads our Harvest celebrations.

Teachers of each year group are encouraged to visit a place of worship relevant to their curriculum. This helps to enhance learning and enables the school to make links with different faiths. Recent visits include Year 2 visit to the local synagogue and Year 5 visit to a local mosque.

Assessment- Assessment is based on observation, discussion and product, where appropriate, and is part of a continuous process throughout school. Older children may be encouraged to make judgements about how they might improve their work in the future. ‘We use our assessment tracker for summative assessment, to inform reporting arrangements to parents and to facilitate lesson planning and support. 

SEND/Disadvantaged – We strive to ensure that all pupils access the full RE curriculum. These pupils will be supported to provide them with full accessibility to the knowledge-rich RE curriculum.

Impact

1. Know about and understand a range of religions and world views, so that they can:  

• describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices, recognising the diversity which exists within and between communities and amongst individuals  
• identify, investigate and respond to questions posed, 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.  

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

• explain reasonably their ideas about how beliefs, practices and forms of expression influence individuals and communities 
• express with increasing discernment their personal reflections and critical responses to questions and teachings about identity, diversity, meaning and value, including ethical issues  
• appreciate and appraise varied dimensions of religion. 

3. 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 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 people’s lives.  

Overview for teaching of RE at Cloverlea

RE Snapshots