Faith in our Lives

The teaching of the RE curriculum is focused on the teaching of specific substantive knowledge  and personal knowledge through carefully sequenced disciplinary “ways of knowing”.  This includes the meaningful beginnings of a scholarly approach which allows teachers to introduce challenging concepts confidently to the pupils including very young ones (Reception), enabling them to use human and social scientific (study of the community) methods in increasing complex way so that each stage of learning prepares them for the next stage (progression of learning and skills).

This involves undertaking sophisticated enquiries, utilising deepening questions and deploying even more complex critical thinking. This consistency of approach allows a new knowledge and skills to be built on what has been taught before, connecting a new knowledge with existing knowledge and working towards clearly defined goals.

Chinese New Year - Early Years

As part of learning about our community and sense of belonging, pupils in Early years welcomed the chinese new year with great celebration which included  the traditional dragon dance.  This pictures celebrates the commitment of the pupils to this tradition as they come together to design costumes and props in preparation for the celebration.  In lessons, the pupils explored a wide range of chinese tradition and practices during celebrations.

Islam and a Sense of Belonging - Year 2

In response to the overarching question - “Does going to mosque give muslims a sense of belonging? “ Pupils in year 2 explored the  lived experience of muslims, examining in details, beliefs and the practice of gathering at the mosque to pray.   The pupils watched videos  of prayer sessions in the mosque paying attention to the activities of young people.  They also gathered  first hand information about practices of muslims from  peers who are muslims. This picture celebrates the reflections of the pupils  as they discuss, depict and share their findings on how religious and community gathering can help a young child to grow and develop a sense of belonging.

Judaism and the Lived Experience - Year 4

In the study of Judaism, year 4 pupils examined practices, beliefs and traditions in judaism through the lived experience using scenarios to explore the experience of jewish children., they reflected on the challenges of a jewish child who had received an invitation from a  friend (non-jewish) to attend a birthday party at one of the Mcdonald's stores.  Drawing from their knowledge of practices in judaism, most especially around food, the pupils deliberated extensively on how to resolve this issue, giving due consideration to the beliefs and practices of the boy. This picture celebrates their thoughtful response to the invitation and their understanding of the lived experience of others.

Christianity and it’s Influence - Year 6

In examining the influence of christianity in the world today,  year 6 pupils were able to track the influence of christianity to both religious and non religious institutions, including the promulgation of some laws in the UK. They identified a range of current practices that have emanated from ancient biblical stories and practices. To further gain an understanding of the depth of influence, the pupils explored influences in their own lives.  This picture celebrates the pupils application of the lessons /skills they have learnt to their own lives by reflecting on people orevents that have had a significant influence on their lives.