RE
“In religious education (RE), pupils enter into a rich discourse about the religious and non-religious traditions that have shaped Great Britain and the world. RE in primary and secondary schools enables pupils to take their place within a diverse multi-religious and multi-secular society. At its best, it is intellectually challenging and personally enriching. It affords pupils both the opportunity to see the religion and non-religion in the world, and the opportunity to make sense of their own place in that world.” Source: OFSTED research review, May 2021
a. Enable pupils to develop a broad and balanced understanding of religions and world views
In our school we want to ensure that RE’s primary purpose is to give pupils a broad understanding of Christianity, world faiths and non-religious beliefs; sometimes referred to as ‘religious literacy’. It is essential that the curriculum ensures that there is both depth of study (some areas investigated in detail) and breadth (an overall general understanding of the faiths and related philosophical and ethical questions).
b. Develop critical thinking skills
We understand that RE is a rigorous academic subject, supporting problem solving and critical thinking skills. Engaging and stimulating RE helps to nurture informed and resilient responses to misunderstanding, stereotyping and division. It offers a place in the curriculum where difficult or ‘risky’ questions can be tackled within a safe but challenging context.
In RE we aim to nurture pupils’ awareness of the treasury of diversity as well as sensitivity to the questions and challenges that different views and cultures can present. Ultimately, we all share a common humanity and share this patch of the Earth. In this way it plays a part in helping pupils to discover their own place and journey through life.
In RE we will broaden perspectives of faiths and cultures, encouraging tolerance of diversity. We will nurture spirituality. Also, we will contribute to developing pupils as positive, participating citizens of the world.
