RE

Definition

Religious Education teaches children about the nature of religious beliefs and practices and the important influence of these in the lives of believers.  It enables children to investigate and reflect on some of the most fundamental questions asked by people.

Equal Opportunities

At Dene House Primary School all religious beliefs are treated as being equally worthy of respect and have equal importance.  This includes Humanism and people who profess to have no faith or creed.  All children not withdrawn by their parents from this subject have equal access to all aspects of RE. As a Rights Respecting school we respect everyone’s right to a religion Article 14.

The Importance of RE

RE develops’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, of other principal religions, other religious traditions and world views that offer answers to these fundamental questions of life.  RE offers pupils the opportunity to examine the significance of religion in relation to themselves and others.  Ultimately RE offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development, enabling children to develop a sense of themselves and their place within the World and their own community.

In a diverse and ever changing world, RE is a key means by which values and respect, tolerance and acceptance can be developed within a greater agenda of British values.  If as a school we are to be determined to positively promote these fundamental and essential values and principles then RE has to be an essential part of our curriculum and learning at Dene House Primary.

The aims of Religious Education (RE) at Dene House Primary School are to:

• enhance our pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development so they are honest, respectful, compassionate citizens

• develop an understanding of, and respect for, the beliefs, values and traditions of individuals, communities, societies and cultures, both locally and globally

• make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues.

At Dene House Primary School we follow the Durham Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education with the intent that through the study of RE our children will:

• develop deepening knowledge and understanding about a range of religious and nonreligious worldviews so that pupils at Dene House Primary School can:

Ø  describe and explain beliefs and theological concepts

Ø  describe and explain some sources of authority and teachings within and across religious and non-religious traditions

Ø  describe and explain ways in which beliefs are expressed

Ø  know and understand the significance and impact of beliefs and practices on

Ø  individuals, communities and societies

Ø  connect these together into a coherent framework of beliefs and practices

• gain and deploy deepening understanding of specialist vocabulary and terms

• know and understand about religious diversity within the region, as well as nationally and globally

• know and understand how religion can be defined and what is meant by the term “religious and non-religious worldviews” and with increasing clarity know that these worldviews are complex, diverse and plural

• gain and deploy skills that enable critical thinking and enquiry in relation to the material they study

• reflect on their own thoughts.

Parental Right of Withdrawal from Religious Education

At our school, we recognise and respect the legal right of parents and carers to withdraw their child, either wholly or partly, from Religious Education (RE). This right is set out in legislation and reflects the importance of family beliefs, convictions and values.

We believe that high-quality RE plays an important role in pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Our RE curriculum is inclusive, educational rather than devotional, and aims to promote understanding and respect for people of all faiths and none. We strongly encourage parents to discuss any concerns with the RE Lead or Headteacher so that we can explain the content, purpose and approach of our RE provision.

Should a parent decide to exercise their right of withdrawal, they are asked to make the request in writing to the Headteacher. Appropriate arrangements will be made for the child during RE lessons, and the school will ensure that the child is supervised at all times. No child will be disadvantaged or treated differently as a result of being withdrawn.

As a school, we value open and respectful dialogue and are always happy to work in partnership with parents to support the best interests of every child.

Please see documents below for our RE curriculum