Religious Education

Subject Intent Statement:

At Bowmandale Primary, we believe that it is important for all our pupils to learn from and about religion, so that they can understand the world around them. The aim of Religious Education in our school is to help children to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in Great Britain; to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Religious Education is taught throughout the school in such a way as to reflect the overall aims, values, and philosophy of the school.  It plays an important role, along with all other curriculum areas, particularly PSHE, in promoting social awareness and understanding in our children. We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. We encourage our learners to develop a positive attitude towards other people who hold religious beliefs different from their own.  We include and promote British values, ensuring that children are aware of their rights and responsibilities as UK citizens. Our curriculum is designed to encourage creativity, imagination, enquiry, debate, discussion and independence.

At Bowmandale we use the agreed syllabus for Religious Education developed by the Diocese of Lincoln as the basis for our curriculum. It has been agreed that having taken into account the requirements and guidelines presented in the Agreed Syllabus, the following religions have been selected for study:

• Christianity
• Islam
• Judaism
• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• Sikhism

From the syllabus it is required that:-

• In the Early Years Foundation Stage the learning outcomes are referenced to Christianity and as appropriate to a range of other beliefs and cultures.
• KS1 – Christianity is studied and two other principle religions in depth
• KS2 – Christianity is studied and four other principle religions in depth

There are no presumptions made as to the religious backgrounds, beliefs and values of the children and staff. We value the religious backgrounds of all members of the school community and hope that this will encourage individuals to share their own experiences with others freely. All religions and their communities are treated with respect and sensitivity. We also value the links which are and can be made between home, school and a faith community. We are extremely lucky at Bowmandale that members of our local churches regularly visit our school to lead assemblies.