RE | Kingfisher Primary School

Purpose of Study

Religion and beliefs inform our values and are reflected in what we say and how we behave. RE is an important subject in itself, developing an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs which form part of contemporary society.

Religious education provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human. It can develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, of other principal religions, other religious traditions and worldviews that offer answers to questions such as these.

RE also contributes to pupils’ personal development and well-being and to community cohesion by promoting mutual respect and tolerance in a diverse society. RE can also make important contributions to other parts of the school curriculum such as citizenship, personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE education), the humanities, education for sustainable development and others. It offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development, deepening the understanding of the significance of religion in the lives of others – individually, communally and cross-culturally.

Source: Religious education in English schools: Non‑statutory guidance 2010

Intent

To enable all our children to develop a deep understanding of the knowledge and skills in each subject.
To instil high aspirations in all our children, building a positive mind-set and a sense of belonging by tailoring to our children’s needs.
To enable our children to flourish in all areas of our deep and focused curriculum that provides wide opportunities, creating positive school memories.
Children to feel confident at expressing their beliefs and to have an awareness and sensitivity of diversity that will enable them to succeed in our modern world.

RE Progression

RE Progression.pdf

RE Overview

RE Overview.pdf

What does RE look like at Kingfisher?

EYFS

Religious Education at Kingfisher Primary School starts in our day nursery where children aged 2 to 4 learn about special times in theirs and others lives and differences and similarities between them and others through well planned and purposeful activities that link to the chosen topics and children's interests. The nursery also cover some key celebrations with the children including Harvest festival, Halloween, Bonfire night, Diwali, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Easter and St George's day. As well as these they also perform their own Nativity play.

As children move into the Reception class, they continue to work towards the Early Learning Goals and the curriculum is also supported by the AMV syllabus. In this year RE is part of the Understanding the World Curriculum where they look and People, Communities and Celebrations. We discuss Christians, The Bible and special times as well as looking at similarities and differences between different religions. They also explore a range of festivals including Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Chinese New Year, Halloween and focus on stories and storytelling including Noah's Ark, Christmas and Easter. This is done in both role play/small world and through written retells. They also visit the local church and take part in the whole school Christmas carol concert and Easter service. As well as performing their own Nativity play.

Throughout the EYFS there is a strong focus on the Characteristics of Effective Learning which allows children to develop the critical thinking skills that will support their RE throughout their school life.

KS1

In KS1 RE lessons follow the Awareness, Mystery and Values, the agreed syllabus for religious education in Somerset which are led by enquiry questions. Across Year 1 and Year 2 they cover Christianity and Judaism through a range of written work and practical activities such as cooking and role play. Children have the opportunities to explore religious stories and their meanings, religious symbols and what they represent and places of worship. They also celebrate and discuss a variety of different festivals and celebrations including Harvest, Diwali, Christmas and Easter. The children in KS1 have the opportunity to visit the local church and they take part in the whole school Harvest Festival, Christmas Carol Concert and Easter Service, as well as performing their own Nativity plays.

KS2

In KS2 RE lessons follow the Awareness, Mystery and Values, the agreed syllabus for religious education in Somerset which are led by enquiry questions. Across Years 3,4,5 and 6 they cover Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Islam through a range of written work, discussion and debate. Children have the opportunity to explore and discuss a variety of religious teachings and beliefs and how these might differ from others. They are encouraged to form their own opinions about religious enquiry and articulate these in an appropriate way. The children in KS2 have the opportunity to visit the local church and they take part in the whole school Harvest Festival, Christmas Carol Concert and Easter Service.

RE Curriculum Enrichment

At Kingfisher we strive to enrich our curriculum as much as possible. We welcome in visitors that offer new experiences for the children and we provide trips that enable children to explore and discover new places. To enrich our RE curriculum we have offered a variety of trips and experiences including a Diwali dance workshop, trips to the local church and a trip to Glastonbury Abby.