Religious Education

Intent

At Flitwick Lower School we want the children to explore and experience different belief systems and to see how they impact on people’s lives. It is important that the children reflect on their learning experiences and make links with their lives.

‘ The principal aim of teaching RE is to explore what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that pupils can gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religion and belief, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living (SACRE 2018)’

Implementation

At Flitwick Lower School, we follow the Agreed Syllabus for the Teaching of RE in Central Bedfordshire (SACRE 2018) which was updated with new units of work in 2021. Our RE teaching is multifaith. In line with the law, this syllabus requires that all pupils develop their understanding of Christianity in each key stage. In addition, across the age ranges, pupils will develop understanding of the principal religions represented in the UK, in line with the law. These are Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Judaism. Furthermore, children from families where non-religious worldviews are held are represented.

This syllabus follows three main strands and these are covered in weekly RE lessons in all year groups.

1 Make sense of a range of religious and non-religious beliefs:

identify, describe, explain and analyse beliefs and concepts in the context of living religions, using appropriate vocabulary
explain how and why these beliefs are understood in different ways, by individuals and within communities
recognise how and why sources of authority (e.g. texts, teachings, traditions, leaders) are used, expressed and interpreted in different ways, developing skills of interpretation

2 Understand the impact and significance of religious and non-religious beliefs:

examine and explain how and why people express their beliefs in diverse ways
recognise and account for ways in which people put their beliefs into action in diverse ways, in their everyday lives, within their communities and in the wider world
appreciate and appraise the significance of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning

3 Make connections between religious and non-religious beliefs, concepts, practices and ideas studied:

evaluate, reflect on and enquire into key concepts and questions studied, responding thoughtfully and creatively, giving good reasons for their responses
challenge the ideas they study, and consider how these ideas might challenge their own thinking, articulating beliefs, values and commitments clearly in response
discern possible connections between the ideas studied and their own ways of understanding the world, expressing their critical responses and personal reflections with increasing clarity and understanding

In addition to the above, We offer a Faith Tour in Key Stage 2 which allows children to visit and compare 3 different places of worship in Bedford. We try wherever possible to invite visitors into school to speak to the children. We offer assemblies from community groups such as ‘Open the Book’ and have a close link with one of the local churches.

Impact

Children will have a knowledge and understanding of the main world religions. They will know key beliefs of those faiths and be able to consider how a person’s beliefs affects their daily life. Children will also be able to make links with their own experiences. They will be able to discuss beliefs from other religions/faiths with sensitivity. Their own personal beliefs will be valued and children will show respect towards the beliefs of others around them. Understanding and empathy is a key aspect.