Religious Education
Intent and Implementation
The principal aim of RE is to engage pupils in systematic enquiry into significant human questions which religion and worldviews address, so that they can develop the understanding and skills needed to appreciate and appraise varied responses to these questions, as well as develop responses of their own.
At Town Field this translates as ‘RE explores big questions about life, to find out what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that pupils can make sense of religion, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living.’
We deliver a curriculum based on the Doncaster LA syllabus and work to provide the children with varied opportunities to explore, discuss, share and celebrate our similarities and differences as important members of the school and wider community.
RE will be explored through questioning and activities designed to make the children reflect and learn from their own experiences as well as those of their peers and the wider community. Children will be encouraged, through a variety of media to express their individual thoughts and ideas as they develop whilst knowing that they are in an environment where views will be taken seriously and differences of opinion will be discussed respectfully.
The threefold prongs of RE elaborate on the principal aim above and our curriculum at Town Field Primary ensures that pupils:
1. Know about and understand a range of religions and worldviews, 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 wisdom2 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
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 wellbeing 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.