We follow the North Yorkshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education which focuses on teachings from and teaching about a range of religions and world views.
“RE explores big questions about life, in order to find out what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that pupils can make sense of religion and worldviews, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living.”
RE is taught either as part of a class topic or weekly as a discrete subject focused on a Big Question. Where RE is taught within a topic, teaching may be blocked (i.e. during an enriched 'Sanctuary Week' where learning is focused on the Easter story) or themed weeks which promote diversity by exposing children to other religions not covered in their Class.
Pupils learn about Christianity in each Key Stage alongside the other principle religions and non-religious world views represented in the UK today. Our learning is based around 3 strands:
- Believing,
- Expressing,
- Living,
and the connections between them; encouraging learners to think about the religions and world-views of others respectfully.
Our EYFS children encounter Christianity and other faiths as part of their growing sense of self, their community and their place within it. Their learning is linked to flexible focus areas such as special people, objects, times, places and books; which allows them to explore and develop their understanding of the world through experiences and stories.
The children are always encouraged to share their personal experiences of faith and belief. This serves as a valuable starting point for class discussions and further fosters the development of our core values such as respect, kindness, friendship and tolerance.
Throughout the year, children have the opportunity to prepare and participate in services linked to Christian festivals at our local churches.
- Harvest Festival is a time to give thanks but also gives us the opportunity to support the more vulnerable members of our communities through the donations of food which are collected.
- Christmas celebrations are led by our youngest children, who retell the story of the Nativity and bring great joy to all!
- Our Easter Service allows children to reflect on the importance of the events of Holy Week and to develop their understanding of how the arts – music, drama, poetry and prose – are so important in expressions of belief.
Our learning linked to these important times in the Christian Calendar have been enhanced through the Leeds Diocese ‘Rhythm of Life’ resources for Advent and Lent.
Our Ethos Statements, Collective Worship sessions and SMSC questions further explore stories and values which are central to the Christian faith and to other world views. They encourage children to think about complex ideas and to express their thoughts and opinions in a safe place. Children refer to, build on and respond to each other’s ideas and enjoy having the opportunity to consider these throughout their day. They think carefully and learn to share their ideas and opinions in a thoughtful and respectful way.