At Heathcote Primary, we believe it is important that all of our pupils to learn from different religions, beliefs, values and traditions while exploring their own beliefs and questions of meaning. The aim of Religious Education in our school is to provide children with the opportunity to share their experiences and to listen to the ideas of others without making judgements.
Our pupils learn that there are many religions represented in Great Britain and that they can develop their own views as believers or nonbelievers. Our curriculum has been developed with the belief that Religious Education should play a central role in the promotion of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils and should provide a context for all pupils to learn what it is to become an active citizen. Through the teaching of Religious Education we also give our children the experience to visit different places of worship and also invite leaders of different faiths to visit our school.
Implementation
At Heathcote, we teach Religious Education using Jigsaw RE.
Jigsaw RE is an enquiry-based scheme of work, covering the principal world faiths and humanism in a progressive way from Reception to Year 6. In the early years, the learning is closely matched to Development Matters to contribute meaningfully to your child’s holistic development. Throughout all the enquiries, the children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is carefully considered.
Each enquiry lasts for half a term and begins with a “big” question such as “What is the best way for a Christian/Jew/Muslim etc. to show commitment to God?” The children then start discussing the theme of the enquiry (in this case, commitment) from their own experience. What have they shown commitment to? Brownies? Cubs? Their sporting team? Playing an instrument?
Only when the children fully understand the concept they are considering, do they then move on to investigating what the people following the studied religion or worldview believe about it. They will spend approximately 3 lessons on this (depending on the length of the term), learning in a variety of ways, so they can adapt their responses and come to a measured conclusion. In week 5 (or towards the end of the term) they will complete an activity which can assess their learning, by answering their “big” question. The assessment activities are child friendly and can be answered in a variety of ways, as long as the child can justify their view with the knowledge they have gained throughout the enquiry. This demonstrates the level of critical thinking that the children can apply – a valuable skill for them throughout the school curriculum.
The final week in every enquiry gives the children time to reflect on what they have learnt about the concept and apply to it their own lives, thus allowing them to form their own beliefs and identity. For example, learning that Sikhs share their food with all who attend has taught me ……… about sharing that I would like to take forward with me. These lessons are often very creative and children have opportunities to make items to express themselves in ways other than just writing.
Jigsaw RE gives schools a choice of which religions to teach in different year groups. At Heathcote, we have chosen the following options as we feel this best creates a cohesive and progressive approach to the children’s learning in Religious Education.
Impact
The children at Heathcote, enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose or choose not to follow a religion. Through our high-quality Religious Education curriculum, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world, developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life.
Children leave Heathcote with the knowledge that being informed about Religious Education is invaluable in our changing world to promote inclusivity and community cohesion. They will have developed a positive ethos within Heathcote Primary School and their community around them, demonstrating mutual understanding and respect.
Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE)
We respect the rights of parents and guardians to make informed choices about their child's education. Under the Education Act, parents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education lessons if they feel it is in the best interest of their child. If you wish to exercise this right, please inform the school in writing, and we will ensure that alternative work is arranged for your child during RE lessons.
If you have any questions or need further clarification about this policy, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
