Drighlington Primary School

Religious Education

Intent

We believe that studying world religions enables people from all walks of life to live and work together. Through our RE curriculum, children develop knowledge of the beliefs and practices of the religions and world views which shape history and culture. They gain an understanding of the ways of life which are present in our local community and in the wider world. Children are given opportunities to explore their thoughts and feelings about the knowledge they encounter and reflect on how it is similar and different to their own views and beliefs. Children consider how religious beliefs affect a person’s actions and can have a positive impact on the world. Our RE curriculum helps pupils to develop their own sense of identity and belonging, helping them to find their place in their community. It teaches respect for others and helps to challenge prejudices. We encourage understanding, cooperation, empathy, wisdom and compassion. Through becoming confident in their own beliefs, they will learn to respect religious and cultural differences and make their own positive impact on their community and the wider world.

“Religions are different roads converging to the same point. What does it matter that we take different roads, as long as we reach the same goal.” Ghandi, Civil Rights Activist.

Implementation

Religious Education (RE) is based on the Leeds Agreed Syllabus. RE is taught in specific lessons, through theme weeks and theme days, and is embedded through everyday opportunities as they arise. We help each child grow spiritually and develop an awareness and understanding of Christianity and other major world religions. We foster attributes such as truthfulness, kindness, understanding of right and wrong, fairness, humility and respect for, and tolerance of, the beliefs, customs and cultures of others. We take children to a range of places of worship during their time at our school so that they can develop an awareness of their multi-cultural society. We have daily acts of collective worship that are mainly Christian in nature, although the major festivals and stories from other faiths also feature in our assemblies.

“Every religion emphasizes human improvement, love, respect for others, sharing other people's suffering. On these lines every religion had more or less the same viewpoint and the same goal." Dalai Lama

Year 1 Making Diva Lamps

Year 6 Learning about Baptism at Moorside Church

Year 5 Posting Prayers at the Western Wall as part of their learning on Pilgrimage

The RE curriculum is organised to support the development of children’s knowledge of religious and non-religious beliefs and worldviews, practices and ways of life and enable children to make links between these. It also develops children’s knowledge and understanding of the different members of our rich and diverse community. Knowledge and skills are supported by first-hand experiences, including visits to local places of worship and visits from faith communities. Knowledge and skills are mapped to support children’s understanding of religion and faith. The RE curriculum is also designed to support positive attitudes and values, and encourage children to reflect and relate learning to their own experience.

Year 5 Visit to Bradford Mosque

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the whole or part of religious education and collective worship. Any parent wishing to exercise the right, must apply in writing and should please discuss the matter with the school first of all. Arrangements for alternative provision for children can be discussed and agreed on an individual basis.

Year 6 Visit to Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara

Year 6: Thinking about Values which are Important to Us

Year 6 Drama - The Events of Palm Sunday

Year 3 Visit to Etz Chaim Synagogue

Impact

Children are often involved in presenting and helping in assembly as are local church representatives and members of the local community. Children learn that there are those who do not hold religious beliefs and have their own philosophical perspectives, as part of its commitment to ensure mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the whole or part of religious education and collective worship. Any parent wishing to exercise the right, must apply in writing and should please discuss the matter with the school first of all. Arrangements for alternative provision for children can be discussed and agreed on an individual basis.

How you can help your child at home

Partnerships with parents and carers is an important part of Drighlington Primary School. Working closely with parents enables us to ensure parents feel confident that their child is safe, well looked and is receiving a high quality education during their school hours. The links below offer a range of resources that may also be useful to families.

Activities for Children: https://cafod.org.uk/Education/Kidz-Zone

Bible Stories: https://biblehub.com/childrens/

BBC Bitesize KS1: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zxnygk7

https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/religions-of-the-world/zfxwpg8

BBC Bitesize KS2: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z7hs34j

Topmarks Games and Activities: https://www.topmarks.co.uk/Search.aspx?Subject=25&AgeGroup=2

RE Questions and Answers: https://request.org.uk/resource/?view=resources&cat=3

World Religions: http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/Religion.html

Places to visit

Local Places of Worship:

Moorside Church: http://www.moorsidechurch.org.uk/

St Paul's Church: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/18108/