Religious Education 

Intent

At Palmarsh Primary School, we believe that Religious Education (RE) is essential to fostering the personal, social, moral, and cultural development of our pupils. Our intent is to underpin the development of thoughtful, reflective learners who can appreciate and understand the diversity of beliefs and practices in our increasingly multicultural society. The aims of our RE curriculum include:

Promoting Religious Literacy: We strive to equip pupils with a thorough knowledge of the principal world religions, deepening their understanding of religious concepts, beliefs, and practices.

Encouraging Dialogue and Respect: We aim to cultivate an environment of respect and open dialogue where pupils feel comfortable discussing their own beliefs while considering those of others.

Developing Critical Thinking: Our curriculum is designed to encourage pupils to question, evaluate, and interpret religious narratives and traditions critically.

Fostering Personal Development: We intend to inspire pupils to develop their own beliefs and values, providing them with a foundation for their moral and ethical decision-making.

Implementation

Our RE curriculum is carefully designed in accordance with the locally agreed syllabus and utilises the Jigsaw scheme of work, emphasising experiential learning and engagement. Key aspects of our implementation include:

Comprehensive Curriculum Framework: Our RE curriculum covers a breadth of religious traditions including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism, ensuring that pupils acquire a well-rounded understanding of global religions.

Innovative Teaching Practices: We employ a range of teaching methodologies, including interactive storytelling, critical discussions, and multi-sensory learning activities as outlined in the Jigsaw scheme. This variety caters to different learning styles and engages pupils deeply in their learning.

Field Trips and Visitor Engagement: We organise visits to places of worship and invite guest speakers from diverse faith backgrounds to enrich the curriculum, providing pupils with first-hand experiences of religious practices.

Assessment and Reflection: Pupils are assessed through both formative and summative methods, including self-reflections and class discussions enabling them to express their understanding and personal views on religious topics.

Impact

The impact of our RE programme on the school community is profound and far-reaching. We monitor and evaluate this impact through various mechanisms:

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Development of Personal Values: Through reflective practices, pupils demonstrate an increased ability to articulate their own beliefs and values, showing maturity in understanding complex ethical issues and demonstrating respect for others’ views.

Enhanced Cultural Awareness: Pupils develop an appreciation for the diversity of cultures and beliefs within their community and beyond, which contributes significantly to their social cohesion and sense of belonging.

Positive Behaviour and Attitudes: We observe a positive impact on pupils’ behaviour; a respectful attitude towards peers and adults is fostered. Our school community is marked by inclusivity, harmony, and mutual respect.

Readiness for the Future: By promoting critical thinking and empathetic understanding, we prepare our pupils to navigate the complexities of the modern world effectively, cultivating responsible citizens with a strong sense of morality and ethics.